Introduction

Steamed Lauki Kofta is a light and nutritious version of the traditional deep-fried lauki kofta. Made with blended bottle gourd, aromatic spices, and besan (gram flour), these koftas are steamed instead of fried, making them a healthier alternative. The koftas are then simmered in a rich, spiced tomato-onion gravy that enhances their flavor. This dish is perfect for those who love comforting Indian flavors but want a wholesome and oil-free option. It pairs beautifully with roti, paratha, or steamed rice, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is Steamed Lauki Kofta?
• Main Ingredients of Steamed Lauki Kofta
• What Is So Special About Steamed Lauki Kofta?
• How to Make Steamed Lauki Kofta
• Expert Tips
• Recipe Card

What is Steamed Lauki Kofta?

Steamed Lauki Kofta is a nutritious and light version of the traditional deep-fried lauki (bottle gourd) kofta. Instead of frying, the koftas are steamed, making the dish healthier while retaining its delicious taste. These soft and flavorful koftas are then simmered in a spiced tomato-based gravy, creating a comforting and wholesome meal.

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Main Ingredients of Steamed Lauki Kofta:

• Lauki (Bottle Gourd): The key ingredient that keeps the koftas moist and nutritious.

• Besan (Gram Flour): Helps bind the koftas together and adds a nutty flavor.

• Tomatoes & Onions: Provide a rich and flavorful base for the gravy.

• Aromatic Spices: Cumin, coriander, garam masala, and hing enhance the overall taste.

What Is So Special About Steamed Lauki Kofta?

• Healthier Alternative: Unlike traditional koftas, which are deep-fried, these koftas are steamed, making them low in oil and easier to digest.

• Soft & Flavorful: Steaming retains the natural moisture of the lauki, resulting in soft, melt-in-the-mouth koftas.

• Rich Yet Light Gravy: The tomato-based gravy is spiced to perfection, complementing the delicate koftas without overpowering them.

• Quick and Easy: This dish is easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and can be a great addition to an everyday meal. With a little prep work, you can enjoy a wholesome, restaurant-style dish at home.

How to Make Steamed Lauki Kofta

Prepare the Kofta:

1. Blend the Lauki: Blend the lauki (bottle gourd) into a smooth paste, ensuring there is no excess water.

2. Make the Kofta Mixture: In a bowl, combine the lauki paste, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin, crushed coriander seeds, besan, and salt. Mix well.

3. Shape and Steam: Pour the batter in a wide plate. Steam them in a steamer or idli maker for about 10-12 minutes, until they become firm.

4. Cut the Steamed Koftas: Once steamed, remove the koftas from the plate, cut them into pieces, and set them aside.

Prepare the Gravy:

1. Heat ghee or oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and hing. Let them splutter.

2. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

3. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, and cook for a minute.

4. Add pureed tomatoes, haldi, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the oil starts to separate.

5. Add water as needed to adjust the consistency and bring the gravy to a simmer.

Assemble the Dish:

1. Gently place the steamed kofta pieces into the simmering gravy.

2. Let them cook for a few minutes so they absorb the flavors.

3. Sprinkle garam masala and fresh coriander leaves.

4. Turn off the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Serve:

Serve hot with roti, paratha, or steamed rice for a wholesome meal.

Expert Tips:

• Squeeze out excess water from the lauki before blending to ensure the koftas hold together well.

• Do not over-steam the koftas; they should be firm but not dry.

• Adjust the spice level according to your preference.

• For a richer flavor, add a spoonful of fresh cream to the gravy before serving.

• If the kofta mixture feels too wet, add a little more besan for better binding.

Recipe Card

Steamed Lauki Kofta

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Category

Main Course

Servings

4

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Enjoy a healthy and delicious Steamed Lauki Kofta with a rich tomato-based gravy. This easy and oil-free recipe is perfect for a wholesome meal with roti or rice.

Author:

Parth Kapoor

Ingredients

For the Kofta:

• Lauki (Bottle Gourd) – ½ kg (blended into a paste)
• Onion – 1 (finely chopped)
• Garlic – 4-5 cloves (minced)
• Ginger – 1-inch piece (grated)
• Cumin – 1 tsp
• Coriander seeds – 1 tsp (crushed)
• Besan (Gram Flour) – 3 tbsp
• Coriander – Handful (chopped)
• Salt – To taste

For the Gravy:

• Tomatoes – 2 (pureed)
• Onion – 1 (finely chopped)
• Green Chilies – 2 (chopped)
• Ginger-Garlic Paste – 1 tbsp
• Cumin – 1 tsp
• Hing (Asafoetida) – 1 tsp
• Haldi (Turmeric Powder) – 1 tsp
• Red Chili Powder – 1 tsp
• Garam Masala – 1 tsp
• Coriander Powder – 1 tsp
• Salt – To taste
• Ghee/Oil – As required
• Water – As needed

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Directions

1. Prepare the Kofta: Blend the lauki and squeeze out excess water. Combine with onions, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander seeds, besan, coriander, and salt. Shape into small balls and steam for 10-12 minutes.

2. Prepare the Gravy: Heat ghee/oil in a pan, add cumin and hing. Sauté onions until golden, then add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Add pureed tomatoes, haldi, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until oil separates, then add water as needed and bring to a simmer.

3. Assemble the Dish: Add the steamed koftas to the gravy and simmer for a few minutes. Sprinkle garam masala and fresh coriander.

4. Serve: Serve hot with roti or rice.

Recipe Video

Recipe Note

• This dish can be prepared in advance; just reheat before serving.
• The koftas can also be air-fried instead of steaming for a different texture.
• If the gravy thickens upon resting, add a little water while reheating.
• Garnish with fresh coriander or a drizzle of cream for extra richness