How to Make Lauki Ke Kofte (Loki ka Kofta) – A Traditional Indian Recipe

 

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Introduction: What Is Lauki Ke Kofte (Loki ka Kofta)?

Lauki ke Kofte, also known as Loki ka Kofta, is a comforting North Indian dish made from grated bottle gourd (lauki or loki) shaped into spiced dumplings (koftas), deep-fried until golden, and then simmered in a rich, flavourful tomato-based curry.

Though lauki is not everyone's favourite vegetable, this dish transforms it into a mouth-watering delicacy that even picky eaters will love. It's a brilliant way to include more vegetables in your diet and is ideal for both everyday meals and special occasions.

In this article, you'll learn how to make Lauki Ke Kofte at home using simple ingredients available in the UK. With step-by-step instructions, ingredient substitutions, SEO keywords, and expert tips, this is your complete guide to mastering Loki ka Kofta in your British kitchen.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Loki ka Kofta Recipe

A healthy and delicious way to eat bottle gourd

Traditional Indian flavours made easy for UK kitchens

Completely vegetarian and customisable for vegan diets

Can be served with chapati, naan, or rice

Freezer-friendly and ideal for batch cooking

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🛒 Ingredients for Lauki Ke Kofte

For the Koftas (Bottle Gourd Dumplings):

Bottle gourd (lauki/loki) – 2 cups grated (approx. 1 medium)

Gram flour (besan) – 4–6 tbsp (adjust as needed)

Green chilli – 1, finely chopped (optional)

Ginger paste – 1 tsp

Salt – to taste

Red chilli powder – ½ tsp

Coriander powder – 1 tsp

Garam masala – ½ tsp

Oil – for deep frying

For the Curry (Gravy):

Onions – 2 medium, finely chopped

Tomatoes – 2 large, pureed

Garlic paste – 1 tsp

Ginger paste – 1 tsp

Green chilli – 1 (optional)

Cumin seeds – 1 tsp

Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

Coriander powder – 1½ tsp

Red chilli powder – ½ tsp

Garam masala – ½ tsp

Salt – to taste

Oil or ghee – 2–3 tbsp

Water – as needed

Fresh coriander – for garnish

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Lauki Ke Kofte – Step-by-Step Instructions

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🥣 Step 1: Prepare the Kofta Mixture

1. Wash, peel, and grate the bottle gourd.

2. Squeeze out the excess water from the grated lauki and reserve this water for the curry.

3. In a bowl, combine:

Grated lauki

Besan (gram flour)

Chilli, ginger, spices, and salt

4. Mix well to form a thick batter. Add more besan if the mixture is too wet.

> 💡 The batter should be thick enough to hold shape when scooped.

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🍳 Step 2: Fry the Koftas

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

2. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil.

3. Fry the koftas until they are golden brown and crisp on all sides.

4. Remove and drain on kitchen paper.

> 🧠 You can air-fry or bake the koftas as a healthier alternative.

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🧅 Step 3: Prepare the Curry Base

1. In a separate pan, heat 2–3 tbsp oil.

2. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.

3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

4. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilli (optional). Cook for 1–2 minutes.

5. Add pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil begins to separate.

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🧂 Step 4: Add Spices

1. Add:

Turmeric powder

Red chilli powder

Coriander powder

Salt to taste

2. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes aromatic.

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💧 Step 5: Add Water and Simmer

1. Add the reserved lauki water and more plain water if needed.

2. Bring the curry to a gentle boil, then lower the heat.

3. Add garam masala and stir.

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🥘 Step 6: Add the Koftas

1. Gently place the fried koftas into the curry.

2. Let them simmer on low heat for 5–10 minutes. Do not over-stir.

3. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.

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🍽 How to Serve Loki Ka Kofta

Lauki Ke Kofte pairs beautifully with:

Chapati (roti) or paratha

Jeera rice or plain basmati rice

Green chutney or curd (yoghurt) on the side

A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

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🧘‍♀️ Health Benefits of Loki (Bottle Gourd)

Rich in dietary fibre and aids digestion

High in water content, keeping you hydrated

Low in calories and supports weight management

May help lower cholesterol and regulate blood pressure

Easy to digest – ideal for kids, elderly, and recovery meals

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🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips

Koftas can be made ahead and stored separately in the fridge for 2–3 days

Curry base can be frozen for up to 1 month

Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water

Best to add koftas just before serving to retain their texture

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🛍 Where to Find Ingredients in the UK

Bottle gourd (lauki) – Available in Indian/Asian grocery stores like:

Patel Brothers, Wanis, Spices of India, Red Rickshaw

Gram flour (besan), spices, and ghee – Available in:

Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s (World Foods aisle) or any Indian store

Fresh coriander, ginger, chillies, and onions – Readily available in all UK supermarkets

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📝 Quick Recipe Summary: Lauki Ke Kofte

Part Ingredients Steps

Kofta Grated lauki, gram flour, spices Mix, shape, and deep fry or air fry

Gravy Onion, tomato, ginger, garlic, spices Sauté, add spices, simmer with water

Combine Fried koftas and curry Add koftas to curry and simmer gently

Serve with Chapati, rice, paratha, yoghurt, pickle Garnish with coriander and serve hot

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🙋 FAQs About Lauki Ke Kofte

Q1: Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes. Just use oil instead of ghee and ensure your yoghurt (if serving on the side) is plant-based.

Q2: Can I bake the koftas instead of frying?

Absolutely. Bake at 180°C for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, or use an air fryer.

Q3: Why are my koftas falling apart in the oil?

The batter may be too loose. Add more gram flour and ensure oil is hot before frying.

Q4: Can I use courgette or marrow instead of lauki?

Yes! Courgette (zucchini) is a great substitute if lauki isn't available.

Q5: Can this dish be made Jain (no onion/garlic)?

Yes. Simply skip the onion and garlic and use tomato, ginger, and asafoetida (hing) for flavour.

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✅ Final Thoughts

Lauki Ke Kofte (Loki ka Kofta) is a hidden gem of Indian home-style cooking. It’s nutritious, budget-friendly, and packed with comforting spices. If you're looking for a new way to enjoy vegetarian Indian cuisine in the UK, this recipe is a must-try.

Whether you're cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or exploring new dishes, this recipe brings the taste of Indian tradition right into your British kitchen.

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--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.