No Onion No Garlic Lauki Paneer Kofta Curry Recipe
Introduction
Delve into the ultimate comfort dish with this No Onion No Garlic Lauki Paneer Kofta Curry, perfect for a wholesome dinner. This delightful North Indian recipe blends the subtle sweetness of bottle gourd with the richness of paneer, creating tender koftas that shine in a flavorful tomato gravy.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bottle gourd (lauki) – peeled and grated | 500 grams |
| Paneer (homemade cottage cheese) | 200 grams |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Rajgira flour (amaranth flour) | 1/4 cup |
| Salt or rock salt | To taste |
| Tomatoes – cubed | 2 cups |
| Green chillies – finely chopped | 2 |
| Bay leaf (tej patta) | 1, torn |
| Cinnamon stick (dalchini) | 1 |
| Cardamom pods/seeds – pounded into powder | 2 |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1/2 cup |
| Sunflower oil | For cooking |
| Coriander leaves – finely chopped | 2 sprigs |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 200 |
| Protein | High |
| Carbohydrates | Moderate |
| Fat | Low |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Servings: 5
Instructions
-
Prepare the Tomato Base:
In a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai, heat a splash of sunflower oil. Add the cubed tomatoes, finely chopped green chillies, a pinch of turmeric powder, and salt. Sauté until the tomatoes soften and become mushy. Once cooked, allow the mixture to cool before blending it into a smooth paste using a blender. -
-
Make the Koftas:
In a bowl, combine the grated bottle gourd (after draining excess water), crumbled paneer, remaining turmeric powder, garam masala, rajgira flour, and salt. Mix well and form small kofta balls. To minimize oil usage, consider using a Paniyaram pan; add a teaspoon of oil per kofta and cook for about 2 minutes until golden. -
Prepare the Curry:
In another kadhai, heat a bit of oil and add the whole spices: torn bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods. After a minute, stir in the blended tomato paste along with coriander powder and the remaining spices. Cook for about 5 minutes to enhance the flavors. -
Finish the Gravy:
Add the curd to the curry, stirring well. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. -
Combine and Serve:
Gently add the koftas to the gravy, ensuring they remain intact. For the best texture, serve immediately in a dish without letting the koftas sit too long in the sauce. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this mouth-watering No Onion No Garlic Lauki Paneer Kofta Curry alongside Ajwain Puri, Palak Raita, and a refreshing Kachumber Salad for a delightful and balanced weekday meal. Enjoy the flavors and warmth of this nourishing dish!
