LAUKI KE KOFTE ( 5 to 6 servings )

INGREDIENTS for kofte ;

• 500 gm Lauki ( bottle gourd )
• 2 tbs besan ( gram flour )
• 2-3 green chillies
• little grated ginger
• oil for frying
• salt

INGREDIENTS for gravy ;

• 2 medium sized onion ( grated )
• 2 medium sized tomatoes ( finely chopped )
• 1 inch piece of ginger ( grated )
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp jeera ( cumin seed )
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 2-3 bay leaves ( optional )
  
• 2 tbsp oil
• salt to taste
• 2-3 cups of water

METHOD to make koftas ;

Peel and grate the lauki and squeeze out its water. To this grated lauki , add ginger, chopped
green chilli and little salt. Now add besan to bind and make round or oval balls. Then keep
fry these koftas simultaneously to golden brown colour. The size of koftas can vary according
to liking.

METHOD to make gravy ;

Heat the oil in a heavy bottom pan. Put cumin seed, turmeric powder, red chilli powder,
coriander powder , grated onion and saute for a while. Now add chopped tomato. Keep
stirring until the gravy is even and well blended. Add water and salt. Now let the gravy boil.
Sprinkle garam masala and remove from the fire. Now add koftas and let it boil for 1 minute
Do not stir it too much as the koftas will break. This curry needs more water as the water
gets absorbed in the koftas Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot and relish
rotis .