Bottle Gourd Kofta Recipe – Authentic Indian Potato Gravy

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Bottle Gourd Kofta Recipe – Authentic Indian Potato Gravy

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s close to my heart – Bottle Gourd Kofta in a creamy, flavorful potato gravy. It’s a dish my nani (grandmother) used to make, and it always felt like such a treat. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even though it feels a little fancy, and the result is just…wow. Trust me, you’ll want to add this one to your rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bottle Gourd Kofta recipe is a delightful blend of textures and tastes. You get the soft, melt-in-your-mouth koftas, paired with a rich and comforting potato gravy. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy lauki (bottle gourd), even if you’re not usually a fan! Plus, it’s a complete meal in itself, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:

• 1 medium bottle gourd (approximately 300g)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
• 1 small potato (approximately 150g)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small cinnamon stick (about 2 inches)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon garam masala powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference!)
• 0.5 cup milk (about 120ml)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (about 30g)
• 0.5 cup chopped coriander leaves
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Bottle gourd, or lauki, is incredibly versatile. It’s mild in flavor, which makes it a great base for absorbing all those lovely spices. Don’t be afraid to really squeeze out the excess water from the grated gourd – this is key to preventing the koftas from falling apart.

Kofta preparations vary across India. Some regions use gram flour (besan) instead of wheat flour, and others add ginger paste to the kofta mixture. Feel free to experiment!

The spice blend is where this dish really shines. Garam masala is a warm, aromatic blend, and a good quality chili powder will give it a lovely kick. I like to use Kashmiri chili powder for color and mild heat.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, grate the bottle gourd and then really squeeze out all the excess water using paper towels. Seriously, don’t skip this step!
2. In a bowl, combine the grated gourd, flour, and salt. Mix well and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This helps the mixture bind together.
3. Shape the mixture into small balls – about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This firms them up for frying.
4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-low heat. Gently fry the kofta balls until they’re golden brown and crispy. Set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. While the koftas are frying, boil the potato in water until it’s tender. Mash it well and set aside.
6. In a separate pan, heat a little oil and sauté the cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and minced garlic until fragrant.
7. Add the chopped onion and tomato and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
8. Stir in the cumin powder, chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spices are fragrant.
9. Add the mashed potato and 2 cups of water to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes.
10. Pour in the milk and simmer the gravy for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed – I like mine slightly on the thicker side.
11. Gently arrange the fried koftas in a serving dish and pour the hot gravy over them.
12. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the koftas. Fry them in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
• If the kofta mixture is too wet, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
• Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. Everyone’s spice tolerance is different!

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the milk with cashew cream or coconut milk for a delicious vegan version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use rice flour or chickpea flour (besan) instead of all-purpose flour.
• Spice Level Adjustment: For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Festival Adaptations: This dish is perfect for Navratri or Diwali! You can serve it with a side of rice or roti. My aunt always makes a huge batch for Diwali.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Bottle Gourd Kofta with steamed rice, roti, or naan. A side of raita (yogurt dip) complements the flavors beautifully. A simple salad also adds a refreshing touch.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The koftas might lose a little of their crispness upon reheating, but they’ll still be delicious!

FAQs

What is the best way to remove excess water from the grated bottle gourd?

The key is to use paper towels! Grate the gourd, then place it in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Squeeze firmly to extract as much water as possible. Repeat if necessary.

Can I make the koftas ahead of time? If so, how should I store them?

Yes, you can! Make the koftas and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. Store them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

What type of oil is best for frying the koftas?

I prefer using vegetable oil or sunflower oil for frying. They have a neutral flavor and a high smoke point.

Can I adjust the consistency of the gravy? How?

Absolutely! If the gravy is too thick, add a little more water. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce.

Is it possible to make this recipe without using all-purpose flour?

Yes! You can use rice flour or chickpea flour (besan) as a gluten-free alternative.

What side dishes complement Bottle Gourd Kofta well?

Steamed rice, roti, naan, raita, and a simple salad are all great choices.