Aal Ke Kofte (Bottle Gourd Fritters in Spicy Gravy)
Description:
Aal Ke Kofte is a flavorful and hearty Rajasthani dish that combines the soft, crispy texture of bottle gourd fritters (pakoras) with a rich, aromatic spicy gravy. The bottle gourd koftas are deep-fried to golden perfection and then simmered in a gravy made with a blend of aromatic spices, yogurt, and fresh herbs. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or a festive gathering, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will have your guests coming back for more. Serve it with Lauki Raita and Tawa Parathas for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cuisine:
Rajasthani
Course:
Dinner
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients:
For Kofta (Fritters):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bottle Gourd (Lauki) | 250 grams, grated |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 1/2 cup |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chilies | 2, finely chopped |
| Salt | As required |
| Water | As required |
| Oil | For deep frying |
For Gravy:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1/2 cup |
| Onion | 2, paste |
| Bay Leaves (Tej Patta) | 2 |
| Black Cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 2 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1/2 inch |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | As required |
| Oil | As required |
| Water | As required |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 2 sprigs, finely chopped |
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
60 minutes
Total Time:
75 minutes
Servings:
4 servings
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Koftas (Fritters)
- Start by preparing the koftas. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated bottle gourd (lauki), gram flour (besan), red chili powder, finely chopped green chilies, and salt.
- Add a little water to the mixture, just enough to bring it all together into a thick batter. Be careful not to add too much water, as the batter should be thick enough to shape into small fritters.
- Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into small round balls or fritters (pakoras).
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the fritters into the oil and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Remove the fried koftas from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Gravy
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai. Add the bay leaves, black cardamom, and cinnamon stick. Sauté them for about a minute until they release their fragrance.
- Add the ginger garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears, about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add the onion paste and cook it on medium heat for 5-8 minutes, or until it becomes soft and golden brown.
- Add the red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well and cook the spices for another 5 minutes, allowing them to release their flavors.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the curd (yogurt) to the pan. Mix well, ensuring the curd combines smoothly with the spices.
- Add water to the mixture to form a smooth, medium-thick gravy. Stir to combine, then cook the gravy for 10-15 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Combine Koftas with Gravy
- Once the gravy has thickened and reached the desired consistency, gently add the fried koftas to the pan.
- Let the koftas simmer in the gravy for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soak up the rich flavors.
- Remove the pan from the heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve your Aal Ke Kofte hot, paired with Lauki Raita and Tawa Parathas for a perfect, comforting meal.
Tips:
- You can adjust the spiciness of the dish by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder and green chilies.
- If you prefer a smoother gravy, you can blend the gravy ingredients together before cooking them.
- The koftas can also be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container until ready to use.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute part of the water in the gravy with vegetable stock or milk.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Aal Ke Kofte is not only a satisfying and wholesome dish but also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal. This Rajasthani delicacy, with its tender koftas and flavorful gravy, is sure to be a hit at any dinner table.
