- August 5, 2025
🥘 Lauki Kofta Recipe | Bottle Gourd Kofta Curry | Restaurant-Style Lauki Curry
Lauki Kofta, also known as Bottle Gourd Kofta Curry, is a delightful North Indian dish where deep-fried dumplings made of grated lauki (bottle gourd) are served in a rich, flavorful tomato-onion gravy. This hearty vegetarian recipe is a favorite in Indian households, especially for festive lunches or weekend dinners.
🛒 Ingredients
For Lauki Kofta (Fritters)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lauki (bottle gourd), peeled and grated | 2 cups (approx. 1 medium lauki) |
| Besan (gram flour) | 4–5 tbsp |
| Ginger paste | 1 tsp |
| Green chili (chopped) | 1 |
| Turmeric powder | ¼ tsp |
| Red chili powder | ½ tsp |
| Cumin seeds | ½ tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For frying |
For Kofta Gravy
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion (chopped or paste) | 2 medium |
| Tomato puree | 1 cup |
| Ginger-garlic paste | 1 tsp |
| Turmeric powder | ½ tsp |
| Red chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Coriander powder | 1½ tsp |
| Garam masala | ½ tsp |
| Cumin seeds | 1 tsp |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 2–3 tbsp |
| Water | 1½ cups |
| Fresh coriander | For garnish |
🌱 To make it no onion garlic or Jain friendly, skip onions and garlic and increase tomato and ginger content.
👩🍳 Make Lauki Kofta – Step-by-Step Instructions
✅ Step 1: Prepare the Lauki Kofta
Grate the lauki and squeeze out all the water using your palms or a muslin cloth. Keep this water aside for the gravy.
In a mixing bowl, combine the squeezed lauki, besan, green chili, ginger paste, turmeric, red chili powder, cumin seeds, and salt.
Mix well to form a soft dough. Do not add extra water.
Heat oil in a kadhai (deep pan). Shape small balls of the mixture and deep-fry on medium flame until golden brown.
Remove on paper towels. Set aside.
🍽️ Pro Tip: You can air fry or shallow fry the koftas for a healthier version.
✅ Step 2: Make the Kofta Gravy
Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and bay leaf.
Add chopped onions (or skip if making without onion-garlic) and sauté until golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
Now, add tomato puree, turmeric, red chili, coriander powder, and salt. Cook till oil separates.
Add water (including the squeezed lauki water) and bring to a gentle boil.
Simmer the gravy for 5–7 minutes. Add garam masala and mix.
✅ Step 3: Assemble Lauki Kofta Curry
Add the fried koftas to the hot gravy just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serve hot with roti, naan, or jeera rice.
🌿 For vegan lauki kofta, this recipe is already free of dairy and eggs!
🍽️ Best Occasions to Serve Lauki Kofta
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Family dinners | Nutritious and satisfying |
| Festive meals | Restaurant-style indulgence |
| Lunch box | Koftas can be packed separately |
| Vegetarian thalis | Complements dal and rice combos |
| Potlucks | Crowd-pleasing and unique |
🍛 What to Serve with Lauki Kofta
Roti, paratha, or naan – Soak up that rich curry
Steamed or jeera rice – Classic and comforting
Boondi raita and pickle for added flavor
Papad or salad on the side for crunch
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving Approx.)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Vitamin A | 10% DV |
| Iron | 12% DV |
✅ This recipe is high in fiber, gluten-free, and customizable for various diets.
❓ FAQs on Lauki Kofta Recipe
Q1: Can I bake the koftas instead of frying?
Yes! You can bake at 180°C for 25 minutes or air fry for a low-oil version.
Q2: Why are my koftas breaking in oil?
Too much moisture in lauki or not enough besan. Always squeeze water well.
Q3: Can I freeze lauki koftas?
Yes, fry and freeze them. Reheat in an oven or pan before adding to gravy.
Q4: Is Lauki Kofta good for weight loss?
Yes, when made with minimal oil and paired with whole wheat roti or brown rice.
💬 Interesting Facts
Lauki Kofta Curry is the perfect example of how simple vegetables like bottle gourd can be transformed into an elegant and flavorful Indian curry. With soft, melt-in-mouth koftas in a rich, spicy gravy, this dish will surprise even those who usually dislike lauki!
Whether you’re preparing a homemade Indian curry for a weeknight dinner or a festive vegetarian main course, this recipe delivers the taste and health benefits in one go.
