Aal Ke Kofte (Aloo Kofta) Recipe
Aal Ke Kofte, also known as Aloo Kofta, is a classic Rajasthani dish that features golden-fried potato dumplings, also called koftas, in a rich and flavorful gravy. The combination of soft, crispy koftas in a spicy, tangy gravy is a treat for the taste buds. The recipe, though rich in flavors, is vegetarian and makes for a perfect dinner, often served with roti or rice.
Ingredients
For the Koftas:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 tbsp |
Yogurt | ½ cup |
Onions (paste) | 2 medium onions |
Bay Leaves | 2 |
Green Cardamom | 2 large |
Cinnamon Stick | ½ inch |
Red Chili Powder | 1 tsp |
Turmeric Powder | ½ tsp |
Coriander Powder | 1 tsp |
Salt | As required |
Oil | For frying |
Water | As needed |
Fresh Coriander (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
Bottle Gourd (lauki) | 250 gm (grated) |
Chickpea Flour (Besan) | ½ cup |
Green Chilies (finely chopped) | 2 |
For the Gravy:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 tbsp |
Onion Paste | 2 medium onions |
Whole Spices (cloves, cardamom, bay leaf, cinnamon) | As required |
Red Chili Powder | 1 tsp |
Turmeric Powder | ½ tsp |
Coriander Powder | 1 tsp |
Salt | As required |
Yogurt | ½ cup |
Water | As required |
Oil | 2-3 tbsp |
Fresh Coriander (for garnish) | As needed |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Rajasthani
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Preparing the Koftas:
-
Make the Kofta Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, add the grated bottle gourd (lauki), chickpea flour (besan), finely chopped green chilies, ginger garlic paste, salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and coriander powder. Mix everything together thoroughly. If the mixture is too dry, add a little water to bind it. -
Form the Koftas:
Once the mixture is well combined, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into round dumplings (koftas). Set them aside. -
Fry the Koftas:
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the koftas into the oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. Make sure they are cooked evenly. Once fried, remove them from the oil and drain excess oil by placing them on a paper towel. Set them aside.
Preparing the Gravy:
-
Tempering the Whole Spices:
In a separate pan, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil. Add the whole spices (cloves, green cardamom, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick). Let them splutter and cook for about a minute to release their flavors. -
Sautéing Ginger Garlic Paste:
Add the ginger garlic paste to the pan and sauté for 2 minutes until it becomes aromatic and lightly browned. -
Cooking the Onion Paste:
Add the onion paste to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to cook down and soften until it starts to turn golden. -
Adding the Spices:
Once the onions are cooked, add the red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt to the pan. Cook the spice mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. -
Adding the Yogurt:
Reduce the heat to low and add the yogurt to the pan. Stir well to combine with the spices. Add water as per your desired consistency for the gravy. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes. -
Adding the Koftas:
Once the gravy is ready, gently add the fried koftas to the gravy. Let them cook together for 5-7 minutes so that the koftas soak up the flavors of the gravy. Stir carefully to avoid breaking the koftas. -
Garnishing and Serving:
Garnish the dish with fresh chopped coriander. Aal Ke Kofte is now ready to be served.
Serving:
Serve Aal Ke Kofte with warm phulkas or steamed rice for a satisfying and delicious dinner. You can also serve it with a side of gourd (lauki) raita to complement the dish’s flavors.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 250 kcal |
Protein | 5g |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Fiber | 3g |
Fat | 12g |
Sodium | 500mg |
Sugars | 5g |
Aal Ke Kofte, with its hearty koftas and rich gravy, is a perfect way to enjoy a flavorful vegetarian meal. This Rajasthani dish is not only a feast for the stomach but also a treat for the eyes with its vibrant colors and delicious aroma. Serve this dish on special occasions or simply as a delightful weeknight dinner.