Dudhi Kofta Curry

Recipe contributed by: Shilpa Balwani, Gujarat, India

I consider Kofta curries as one of the feast dishes as they have a very elaborate process. They are the special occasions food. Kofta can be prepared in different ways. This recipe calls for dudhi/lauki which is such a summer vegetable. It has cooling properties and contains lots of water. Enjoy this Shahi recipe contributed by my cousin, Shilpa, who creates such tasty and good looking food.

 

 

 Image contributed by Shilpa Balwani

Serves: 2-3
Prep time: 30 min Cook time: For frying: 15 min, For gravy: 20-25 min
Difficulty level: Moderate


Ingredients:

For the Kofta:

2 cups Grated Lauki
3/4 cup Besan(Gram flour)
As per taste, Finely chopped green chili
1/4 tsp. Turmeric powder
1/4 tsp. Roasted cumin powder
1 tsp. Coriander powder
1/2 tsp Red chili powder
some chopped parsley
As per taste Salt
Oil for frying

For gravy:

Grind to paste:

2 medium Onion
5 cloves Garlic
2 medium Tomatoes
6-8 Cashews
1 tbsp. Watermelon seeds
2 tbsp. Thick yogurt
2 tbsp. Malai(Clotted Cream)(Heavy Whipping cream can be substituted)

Other:

2 tbsps. Oil
2 tbsps. Ghee(Clarified butter)
1 small stick Cinnamon
2-3 Cloves
3 Whole dried red chili
1/4 tsp. Turmeric powder
1 1/2 tsp. Coriander powder
1 1/2 tsp. Red chili powder
As per taste Kitchen King masala or garam masala
As per taste Salt


Method:

1) Heat the oil on medium high heat and get it ready for frying

2) While the oil is getting heated, mix all the ingredients listed to make kofta except the salt

3) When the oil is heated up and you are ready to fry the kofta, add the salt

4) Make small balls and fry them till nice golden brown in color. Strain the oil and set aside.

5) In a broad cooking pan, add oil and ghee and heat it up.

6) Once hot enough, add the cinnamon stick, cloves and dried red chili and let it roast a bit

7) Add the paste prepared as mentioned above and stir it for 2-3 mins

8) Add salt, turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder and Kitchen king masala. Let the mixture cook

9) Once you see the oil floating around on the sides, its an indicator that the gravy is cooked and ready

10) Add the kofta in the gravy right before serving. Enjoy!