Lauki (bottle gourd) Kofta's

Think of these are your savoury version of the sweet healthy protein balls.

This recipe is packed with health benefits and flavour, using the tasty Bottle gourd, turmeric, tomatoes, ginger and garlic in your box !

Bottle gourd has many health benefits traditionally known for helping fever, cough, pain, and asthma.

Tumeric as an anti-inflammatory and ginger renewed for helping digestion. These quick and tasty koftas are a great snack or enjoyed with some roti, rice or as a side dish.

Overview:

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes

Serves: 12-15 Koftas

Ingredients

For the koftas:

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

• 1/2 cup gram flour (besan)

• 2 tablespoons grated fresh turmeric

• 4 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder

• Salt to taste

• Oil for frying

For the gravy:

• 2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped

• 2 tomatoes, pureed

• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

• 4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons grated fresh turmeric

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder

• 1 teaspoon coriander powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

• 1/2 cup fresh cream

• 2 tablespoons oil

• Salt to taste

• Chopped coriander leaves for garnish

Directions

1. Squeeze excess water from grated bottle gourd and move to a bowl.

2. Add gram flour, grated fresh turmeric, minced garlic, red chili powder, cumin powder, and salt to the grated bottle gourd. Mix well to form a thick mixture.

3. Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai for frying the koftas.

4. Take small portions of the bottle gourd mixture and shape them into round koftas.

5. Gently place koftas into hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove using a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

6. In a separate pan, heat oil and add chopped onions. Sauté until golden brown.

7. Add grated fresh ginger and minced fresh garlic. Cook for a minute until fragrant.

8. Add grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and grated fresh turmeric. Cook for a minute until fragrant.

9. Add tomato puree and cook for a few minutes until the oil starts to separate.

10. Add red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

11. Add water as needed to adjust the consistency of the gravy. Simmer for 5 minutes.

12. Just before serving, add garam masala and fresh cream to the gravy. Stir well and cook for a minute.

13. Place the fried koftas in the serving dish and pour the hot gravy over them.

14. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Tips

Perfect with roti, naan bread or rice.

Simply store them in the fridge for up to 3 days and then reheat them in the oven.