Hosting guests at home often calls for something unique, flavorful, and comforting. Lauki Kofta, a traditional North Indian dish made with bottle gourd (lauki), is one such recipe that turns a simple vegetable into a royal delicacy. Soft dumplings made from grated lauki, dipped in a rich tomato‑onion gravy, make this dish irresistible. Serve it with roti, naan, or rice, and you’ll hear endless praise at the dinner table.

Ingredients for Lauki Kofta

For the Kofta (dumplings)

• 1 medium bottle gourd (lauki), peeled and grated
• 2–3 tablespoons gram flour (besan)
• 1–2 green chilies, finely chopped
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Oil for deep frying

For the Gravy

• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tablespoon ginger‑garlic paste
• 2–3 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cream or curd (optional, for richness)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Step‑by‑Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Kofta Mixture

Peel and grate the lauki. Squeeze out excess water.
Mix it with gram flour, green chilies, coriander, and salt.
Shape into small balls.

Step 2: Fry the Koftas

Heat oil in a pan.
Deep fry the balls on medium flame until golden brown.
Keep them aside on tissue paper to absorb extra oil.

Step 3: Make the Gravy Base

Heat oil in another pan.
Add cumin seeds, then sauté onions until golden.
Add ginger‑garlic paste and cook until fragrant.
Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates.

Step 4: Add Spices

Mix in turmeric, red chili, coriander powder, and salt.
Cook for a few minutes until the masala blends well.
Add water to adjust consistency.

Step 5: Combine Koftas and Gravy

Add fried koftas to the gravy just before serving.
Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with coriander leaves.
For extra richness, add a spoon of cream or curd.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with butter naan, tandoori roti, or steamed rice.
• Pair with a fresh salad and raita for a complete dinner.
• Garnish with cream swirls for a restaurant‑style presentation.

Tips for Perfect Lauki Kofta

• Always squeeze lauki well; excess water makes koftas soggy.
• Fry on medium flame for even cooking.
• Add a pinch of baking soda for softer koftas.
• Prepare gravy in advance, but add koftas only before serving to keep them crisp.

Why Lauki Kofta Is Perfect for Guests

Bottle gourd is often considered a simple vegetable, but when transformed into koftas, it becomes a royal dish. The combination of crispy dumplings and creamy gravy makes it festive and special. Guests will love the balance of flavors, and you’ll love the compliments.

FAQ Section (Google Discover Friendly)

Can I bake koftas instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake or air‑fry them for a healthier version.

How to keep koftas soft?

Add a little baking soda or curd to the mixture.

Can I prepare koftas in advance?

Yes, fry them earlier and add to gravy only before serving.

What goes best with Lauki Kofta?

It pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or jeera rice.

Is Lauki Kofta suitable for parties?

Absolutely, it’s a rich, flavorful dish that impresses guests.