Lauki Kofta: A Flavorful Vegetarian Delight

Lauki Kofta is a delectable vegetarian dish that celebrates the humble bottle gourd, also known as lauki or doodhi, in a rich and flavorful gravy. This North Indian delicacy features soft and succulent koftas made from grated bottle gourd mixed with aromatic spices and besan (gram flour), cooked to perfection and served in a luscious tomato-based gravy. Lauki kofta is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a nutritious and wholesome meal that’s perfect for both special occasions and everyday dining.
The process of making Lauki Kofta is an art that requires patience and attention to detail. From preparing the koftas to simmering them in the flavorful gravy, each step contributes to the dish’s distinctive taste and texture. The subtle sweetness of the bottle gourd blends harmoniously with the spices, creating a dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Whether served with roti, naan, or rice, Lauki Kofta is sure to be a hit at your dining table, offering a taste of traditional Indian cuisine at its finest.
Ingredients Required for Making Lauki Kofta

For the Koftas:
- Bottle gourd (लौकी) – 1 medium-sized, peeled and grated
- Besan (बेसन) – 1/2 cup
- Ginger-garlic paste (अदरक-लहसुन का पेस्ट) – 1 teaspoon
- Green chillies (हरी मिर्च) – 2, finely chopped
- Turmeric powder (हल्दी पाउडर) – 1/2 teaspoon
- Coriander powder (धनिया पाउडर) – 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala (गरम मसाला) – 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt (नमक) – to taste
- Oil (तेल) – for frying
For the Gravy:
- Onion (प्याज) – 2 large, finely chopped
- Tomato (टमाटर) – 3 medium-sized, pureed
- Ginger-garlic paste (अदरक-लहसुन का पेस्ट) – 1 tablespoon
- Green chillies (हरी मिर्च) – 2, slit lengthwise
- Chili powder (लाल मिर्च पाउडर) – 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder (हल्दी पाउडर) – 1/2 teaspoon
- Coriander powder (धनिया पाउडर) – 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala (गरम मसाला) – 1/2 teaspoon
- Fresh cream (ताजा क्रीम) – 2 tablespoons (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves (ताजा धनिया पत्ती) – for garnish
- Salt (नमक) – to taste
- Oil (तेल) – 2 tablespoons
Step-wise Process of Making Lauki Kofta
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated bottle gourd, besan, ginger-garlic paste, chopped green chillies, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to form a dough-like mixture.
- Shape the Koftas: Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round or oval-shaped koftas. Ensure they are compact and do not have any cracks.
- Fry the Koftas: Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadhai over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the shaped koftas into the oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy. Take them out of the oil and place them on a paper towel.
- Prepare the Gravy: In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent. Add ginger-garlic paste and slit green chillies, and sauté for a few more minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add Spices and Tomatoes: Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala to the onion mixture. Cook for a minute, then add the pureed tomatoes. Cook the gravy until the oil starts to separate from the sides.
- Simmer with Koftas: Once the gravy is ready, gently add the fried koftas into the gravy. Allow them to simmer in the gravy for 5-7 minutes, ensuring they are well-coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Lauki Kofta with fresh cream (if using) and chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with roti, naan, or rice.
Number of Servings
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time Required
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Important Points to Keep in Mind While Making the Dish
- Consistency of Kofta Mixture: Ensure that the kofta mixture is not too watery. Squeeze out excess water from the grated bottle gourd before mixing it with other ingredients.
- Frying Koftas: Fry the koftas on medium heat to ensure they cook evenly and retain their shape without breaking.
- Gravy Thickness: Adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding water as needed. It should be neither too thick nor too thin.
- Garnish: Fresh cream adds richness to the gravy, but it’s optional. Adjust the quantity according to your preference.
How to Serve Lauki Kofta

Lauki Kofta is best served hot, garnished with fresh cream and chopped coriander leaves. Pair it with roti, naan, or rice for a satisfying meal. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish alongside other Indian curries and accompaniments.
To Sum Up…
Lauki Kofta is a classic Indian dish that combines the goodness of bottle gourd with aromatic spices to create a flavorful and wholesome meal. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger spread, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. With its rich gravy and soft koftas, Lauki Kofta is a testament to the culinary heritage of India and a delight for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
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