Recipe: Lauki Kofta (Bottle Gourd Dumplings in Rich Tomato Curry)

Lauki Kofta (Bottle Gourd Dumplings in Rich Tomato Curry)

Origin: North India
Category: Main Course | Vegetarian | Gluten-Free
Cooking Time: 50–55 minutes
Serves: 4

Delicious Lauki Kofta – Soft bottle gourd dumplings in creamy North Indian tomato gravy.

Lauki Kofta is a North Indian specialty featuring soft dumplings made from grated bottle gourd, cooked in a rich, spiced tomato gravy. Perfect with naan, roti, or jeera rice for a wholesome and festive meal.

🧂 Ingredients

For the Koftas

• 2 cups grated bottle gourd (lauki), excess water squeezed
• ¼ cup grated paneer (optional)
• 2 tbsp cornflour or gram flour
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Oil for deep frying

For the Gravy

• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• ½ cup fresh cream
• Salt to taste

🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare Koftas: Mix grated bottle gourd, paneer, cornflour, salt, and pepper. Shape into small balls and deep fry until golden. Set aside.
2. Cook Gravy: Heat oil, sauté onions until golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and tomato puree. Cook until oil separates.
3. Add Spices: Mix turmeric, coriander powder, and salt into the gravy. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
4. Add Cream: Stir in fresh cream and cook for 2 minutes on low flame.
5. Combine Koftas: Add fried koftas gently to the gravy just before serving.
6. Serve: Hot with naan, roti, or jeera rice.

💡 Tips & Serving Suggestions

Squeeze excess water from grated lauki to make firm koftas. Serve immediately after adding koftas to gravy for best texture. Can add a pinch of sugar to balance tanginess of tomato gravy.

✨ Fun Fact

Lauki Kofta is a healthy twist on traditional kofta curries, combining the goodness of bottle gourd with creamy North Indian spices.

Recipe by Love Indian Bites — Bringing authentic North Indian vegetarian curries to your home kitchen.