Doodhi Kofta

Doodhi Kofta, also known as Lauki Kofta, is a delicious Indian dish made with grated bottle gourd (doodhi or lauki) mixed with spices, gram flour (besan), and then deep-fried until golden brown. These koftas are served in a creamy tomato-based gravy. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients for Kofta:

1 medium-sized bottle gourd (doodhi or lauki), peeled and grated

1/2 cup besan (gram flour)

1/2 teaspoon cumin powder

1/2 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder

1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

Salt to taste

Oil for deep frying

Ingredients for Gravy:

2 tablespoons oil or ghee

1 large onion

2 medium tomatoes, pureed

1 black cardomon

5-6 black peppercorns

3-4 cloves

small piece of cinamon stick

1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

Salt to taste

Water as needed

Instructions:

Kofta Preparation:

1.Squeeze out excess water from the grated bottle gourd and place it in a mixing bowl.

2.Add cumin powder, coriander powder,red chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt, and besan (gram flour) to the grated bottle gourd.

3.Mix well to form a dough-like mixture. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more besan.

Shape the mixture into small lemon-sized balls and set aside.

4.Heat oil for deep frying in a pan or kadhai over medium heat.

5.Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the kofta balls into the oil in batches and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.

Gravy Preparation:

1. In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee over medium heat.

2.Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.Add 1 black cardomom, cinamon stick,few peppercorns.

3.Add blended onion, peppercorn ,clove paste and sauté until they become golden brown.

4.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.

5.Add the tomato puree, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook the gravy until the oil starts to separate from the masala.

6.If you prefer a creamy texture, add heavy cream or cashew paste and mix well. Adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding water as needed.

7.Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer and add the fried koftas.

8.Allow the koftas to simmer in the gravy for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

9.Garnish with chopped coriander and serve the Doodhi Kofta hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

Enjoy this delicious and flavorful Doodhi Kofta dish with your family and friends!