Lauki Kofta in Onion Gravy [Opo squash dumplings in onion gravy]

Lauki [Opo Squash] is also known as doodhi in North India. This is a very typical side dish from Uttar Pradesh prepared on festive occasions. My mother makes a special onion gravy with little [preferably none] tomatoes....the curry has unique taste and I love this uniqueness... try it out yourself !
7-27-2010
Ingredients:
Lauki [Opo squash] - 1 medium
Onion - 2 medium [finely chopped]
Tomato - 1/2 medium [finely chopped]
Ginger-Garlic paste - 1 tsp
Gram flour [Besan] -  1/2 - 3/4 cup
Grated ginger - optional

Dry Spices
Turmeric - 1 tsp
Garam Masala - 1.5tsp
Coriander powder - 1tsp
Chilli powder - optional
Cumin powder - 1/2 tsp
Salt

For seasoning
Bay leaf - 1
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp

Cooking oil

Method:
Gravy
  1. Grate lauki, sprinkle some salt and keep it aside
  2. Heat oil [2 tbsp], add cumin seeds and when they start to crackle add 1 bay leaf and immediately add the chopped onions. Saute onions till golden brown in color (You can add some salt to hasten the process). Add ginger garlic paste and cook till done
  3. Now add all the dry spices and quickly add chopped tomatoes. Cook till the tomatoes get tender.
  4. Add water to desired consistency and boil on slow to medium flame (can use water from squeezed lauki). The curry has slight watery consistency.
  5.  In the mean while prepare kofta balls as below.
Kofta Balls
  1. Squeeze excess water from grated lauki (do not throw the water, use it to make gravy above)
  2. Dry roast besan [gram flour] and add it to grated lauki. Add more salt (if less), cumin seeds, coriander powder, green chillies, grated ginger and make balls (the balls may not keep their shape, make sure you round the balls when you drop in hot oil )
  3. Heat oil in kadai (deep skillet or wok) and when hot enough drop kofta balls and deep fry till golden color. Drain excess oil on paper towel
Once all kofta balls are fried, drop them in the gravy and give a gentle boil, turn off the heat and let it sit for sometime. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve it with hot chapati, paratha or rice

Comments

RV said…
Making kofta with lauki must be challenging isn't it. I like how you were able to make those beautiful looking kofta balls
Super with roti.......
Suhaina said…
wow. this is too good.. love it.
Hari Chandana P said…
Awesome recipe.. simply delish..
Satya said…
yummy kofta curry ....looks delicious ...heard a lot about this authentic dish but never got a chance to make ...very well explained dear...i will try it n let u know ...thanks for sharing
Priya Suresh said…
Delectable koftas, a fantastic side dish for rotis..
Guna's kitchen said…
awesome koftas... luks delicious and very tempting clicks.. u have a good collection of recipes .. if u find time visit my blog.. happy to follo u
Suganya said…
Perfect gravy for nan... YUM!