Lauki kofta curry recipe is a delicious way to turn a simple vegetable like bottle gourd into something special.
Soft dumplings made from grated lauki are simmered in a spiced tomato-onion gravy, making this dish comforting and full of flavor.
So if you are craving something comforting and healthy?
Try this lauki kofta in tomato gravy, a flavorful Indian curry made with soft bottle gourd dumplings simmered in a spiced onion-tomato base. Perfect with rice or roti!
About Lauki Kofta Curry Recipe:
This lauki kofta curry recipe is one of my all-time favorites. If you’ve ever enjoyed those soft, flavorful dumplings soaking in a rich curry, then you know what I mean.
Whether it’s banana kofta or lauki ke kofte (also called dudhi kofta in some regions), I simply love the feel of those little dumplings melting in the mouth with a spoonful of plain rice.
Maybe that’s why I’ve always had a soft spot for “badis” too—those sun-dried lentil dumplings we add to curries back home.
Koftas remind me of comfort food, something warm and homemade. And this bottle gourd kofta curry is a perfect example of that.
This curry is made with tender koftas of grated lauki (bottle gourd), lightly spiced and shallow-fried until golden.
Then they’re simmered in a mildly spicy, slightly tangy tomato-onion gravy. This version is lighter than traditional fried versions, making it a more healthy lauki kofta option.
While some people treat lauki as a boring vegetable, this dish proves otherwise. It turns a humble lauki ki sabji into something that feels festive and special.
So let us learn how to make lauki kofta in tomato gravy with my easy step by step recipe.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve hot with plain basmati rice for a comforting meal
Pairs well with jeera rice or roti
Also great with mild pulao or paratha
Storage Suggestion:
Store the koftas and curry separately for best texture
Keep refrigerated in airtight containers
Use within 2 days; reheat gently before serving
Pro Tips:
Squeeze excess water from grated lauki before mixing into the batter. You can use that water for gravy.
Add koftas to the curry just before serving to keep them soft but intact
For extra richness, you can finish the curry with a spoon of cream
Why You Should Make This Recipe:
Delicious way to enjoy veg kofta curry
Great for lunchboxes or weekend meals
A comforting alternative to regular lauki ki sabji
Soft, melt-in-the-mouth koftas that even kids will love
A wholesome dish that turns everyday ingredients into something special
Looking for Some More Recipes Like this:
Besan ke Gatte ki Sabzi
Chana Dal Sabzi Recipe
Jimikand ki Sabzi Recipe
Kadi Pakoda Recipe
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Basic Ingredients Used to Make this Recipe:
Lauki / bottle gourd: For the best koftas, always use young, tender lauki (also known as dudhi or bottle gourd). Look for a medium-sized one with light green, smooth skin and no dark spots.
Avoid old or overripe lauki, as it becomes fibrous and watery with more seeds, which can affect the texture of the koftas.
Fresh lauki has just the right amount of moisture and soft flesh to bind easily with besan and absorb spices well.
Gram Flour (Besan): Works as a binder and adds a slightly roasted, nutty flavor to the koftas.
Spices: I have used spices like cumin seeds, turmeric, coriander powder, red chilli powder, and garam masala. Each one adds depth, color, and warmth to the curry without overpowering the taste.
Onion & Tomato: These form the base of the curry and gives tanginess, and slightly sweetness to the curry.
Green Chilli, Ginger, and Garlic: Add sharpness, warmth, and classic Indian curry aroma.
Whole Spices (Bay Leaf, Black Cardamom, Cinnamon Stick): Infuse the curry with subtle, deep aromas.
Oil or Ghee: Helps bring out the flavors of the masala.
Chopped Coriander Leaves: Adds freshness and a burst of green at the end.
Water: Adjusts the thickness of the gravy to your liking.
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to make lauki koftas
- 2 cups Bottle Gourd / lauki grated
- 4 tbsp Gram Flour besan
- 1/4 tsp Garam Masala Powder
- 1/4 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil to deep fry
Ingredients for curry
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 2 Tomatoes roughly chopped
- 2 Green Chilli
- 1 inch Ginger
- 5 pods Garlic crushed
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1/2 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1/2 tsp Garam Massala Powder
- 2 Bay Leaf
- 1 Black Cardamom
- 1 pcs Cinnamon Stick
- 3 tbsp Chopped Coriander Leaves
- 2 tbsp Oil
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
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Mix coriander powder, red chilli powder, garam masala powder in a small bowl with some water. Set aside.
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Roughly chop the tomato, ginger and green chilli and make puree out of it. Set aside.
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Rinse and peel the lauki and grate it.
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Squeeze the grated lauki and keep it aside. (Do not discard the water as you can use this water for gravy).
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Mix gram flour, garam masala, red chilli powder and salt to taste with the grated lauki. Mix everything well.
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Now make small round shape balls out of it.
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Heat oil in a kadai and deep fry them nicely till they get brown.
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Take it out in a plate and set aside.
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Remove the extra oil from the frying pan, keep about 2 to 3 tbsp oil in kadhai.
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Now heat oil, add cumin seeds to it.
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When the seeds starts spluttering add bay leaf, cinnmon stick and black cardamom.
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Now add chopped onion, turmeric powder and salt to it. Fry until golden brown.
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Add crushed ginger and garlic and fry until the raw smell goes off.
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Then add wet masala to it and fry until the raw smell of masala goes off.
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Now add tomato puree, stir and continue to fry the masala paste till it starts leaving oil from the sides.
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Add the lauki juice and water as needed to the paste.
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Stir and simmer for 10 minutes.Now add fried lauki kofta.
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Switch off the fire and let them be in the curry for few minutes so that the koftas will become soft.
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Garnish with coriander leaves and serve lauki kofta along with hot rotis, naan, jeera rice or plain rice.
Nutrition Facts
Lauki Kofta Curry Recipe – How to Make Bottle Gourd Kofta Curry Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 143
Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Trans Fat 0.03g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Sodium 94mg4%
Potassium 394mg11%
Carbohydrates 16g5%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 659IU13%
Vitamin C 14mg17%
Calcium 57mg6%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Frequently Asked Question About Bottle Gourd Kofta Curry:
Can I make the koftas without frying?
Yes! You can bake or air-fry them for a healthier version.
Why do my koftas break in the curry?
Make sure to squeeze all the water from lauki and don’t add the koftas too early. Add them just before serving.
Is this the same as dudhi kofta?
Yes, dudhi and lauki are the same vegetable. Different names in different regions.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Store the koftas and curry separately. Mix and heat just before eating.
Can I use this for meal prep?
Absolutely. You can prep the koftas and curry in advance and assemble when needed.
My Recommended Product:
I used my Bergner Kadhai. It has a sturdy base and heats evenly, which is really important when making mix vegetable curry to prevent burning or sticking.
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Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission.
Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases.
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