How to Make Lauki Ke Kofta (Bottle Gourd Dumplings) – A Delicious Indian Recipe in British English

 

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🥘 Introduction: The Charm of Lauki Ke Kofta

Lauki ke Kofta, also known as Bottle Gourd Dumplings in Gravy, is a comforting and flavourful vegetarian Indian dish. "Lauki" or "Loki" refers to bottle gourd, a light green vegetable often used in Indian households. Though often underrated, when turned into koftas (deep-fried dumplings), and served in a rich spiced curry, it transforms into a mouth-watering delicacy that pairs beautifully with roti, naan, or rice.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make Lauki ke Kofta at home, this detailed guide using British English will walk you through the full recipe with tips and variations.

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🧄 Ingredients Required to Make Lauki Ke Kofta

✳️ For the Kofta (Bottle Gourd Dumplings)

2 cups grated lauki (bottle gourd)

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon turmeric powder

½ teaspoon red chilli powder

½ teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon ginger paste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander

3 tablespoons gram flour (besan)

Oil for deep frying

✳️ For the Gravy (Curry)

2 tablespoons oil

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 bay leaf

1 onion (finely chopped)

1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

2 tomatoes (pureed)

½ teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

½ teaspoon red chilli powder

Salt to taste

½ teaspoon garam masala

¼ teaspoon kasuri methi (optional)

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Water as required

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🍽 Equipment You’ll Need

A grater

A mixing bowl

Deep frying pan or kadhai

Slotted spoon

Saucepan

Blender or mixer (for tomato purée)

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Lauki Ke Kofta

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🥣 Step 1: Prepare the Bottle Gourd

1. Peel and grate the bottle gourd.

2. Squeeze out the excess water using your hands or a muslin cloth. Set the water aside – you can use it in the gravy later!

3. Place the grated lauki in a bowl and mix in the salt, turmeric, chilli powder, garam masala, ginger paste, and chopped coriander.

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🧂 Step 2: Make the Kofta Dough

1. Gradually add gram flour to the mixture until it binds together into a soft dough. Add more flour if needed.

2. Avoid making it too dry — it should be soft but firm enough to shape.

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🧆 Step 3: Fry the Koftas

1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.

2. Shape the dough into small balls (about the size of a walnut).

3. Carefully slide them into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on all sides.

4. Remove and drain on kitchen paper. Set aside.

Tip: Fry on medium heat to ensure the koftas cook evenly from the inside.

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🍅 Step 4: Prepare the Gravy

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan.

2. Add cumin seeds and bay leaf. Let them sizzle.

3. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

4. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute.

5. Add the tomato purée and cook until the oil starts to separate.

6. Add turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes.

7. Add a little of the reserved lauki water to adjust consistency. Simmer for 5–6 minutes.

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🌿 Step 5: Finish the Gravy

1. Add garam masala and kasuri methi (if using). Mix well.

2. Simmer the gravy for a few more minutes. Adjust the thickness with water if needed.

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🧆 Step 6: Combine Koftas and Gravy

1. Just before serving, gently place the fried koftas into the hot gravy.

2. Simmer for 2–3 minutes on low heat so the koftas absorb some of the curry flavour.

Note: Don’t leave the koftas in the gravy for too long or they may become soggy.

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🌿 Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve hot with chapati, naan, steamed basmati rice or jeera rice.

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💡 Tips for Making the Best Lauki Ke Kofta

Always squeeze out the excess water from grated lauki to avoid soggy koftas.

Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying – it will lower the oil temperature.

For a healthier option, koftas can also be air-fried or baked.

Use fresh, firm bottle gourd for best results.

Adjust spice levels to taste — the recipe is easily customisable.

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🥬 Nutritional Value of Lauki

Bottle gourd is low in calories and high in water content, making it perfect for light, healthy meals. It's also rich in fibre, vitamins C and B, and minerals like calcium and magnesium.

Adding lauki to your diet through this delicious kofta curry is a tasty way to enjoy its health benefits.

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🥗 What to Serve With Lauki Ke Kofta

Breads: Roti, tandoori naan, butter naan or paratha

Rice: Steamed rice, jeera rice, or pulao

Sides: Cucumber raita, salad, and papad

Dessert: End with something sweet like kheer, halwa, or rasgulla for a complete meal.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make the koftas in advance?

Yes, you can fry them and store in the fridge for a day. Add them to the hot gravy just before serving.

Q2: Can I make this without frying?

Absolutely. You can air-fry or bake the koftas at 180°C for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Q3: My koftas are breaking in oil – why?

This usually happens if the mixture has too much moisture or not enough gram flour. Try adding a bit more flour for binding.

Q4: Is Lauki Ke Kofta gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use pure gram flour and no wheat-based ingredients, it's naturally gluten-free.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?

Yes. Freeze the koftas separately and make fresh gravy when you plan to serve them for best texture.

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✍️ Final Thoughts

Lauki Ke Kofta is a delightful way to turn a humble vegetable into a royal dish. Perfect for family meals or special occasions, this vegetarian curry is packed with flavour and nutrition. Whether you’re trying to impress guests or simply adding variety to your weekly menu, this lauki kofta recipe is sure to become a favourite.

So, don your apron, bring out your spices, and treat yourself to a warm, comforting bowl of Lauki Ke Kofta — a truly satisfying Ind

ian classic.

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Author Bio:

Written by a passionate food blogger and home cook who loves Indian cuisine and enjoys writing recipes in British English to connect with readers across cultures.

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.