This recipe is proof that the oven/microwave is more than just a machine to bake cakes. You can even bake koftas for your curries and make a light and healthier version of some of the most delicious Indian recipes. This non-fried lauki kofta is made with ZERO OIL. These koftas are light, soft, and just so delicious. You won’t even realize that these are baked koftas except for the non-greasy part 🙂 Try it today.
Story Time
Lauki kofta is the first Indian recipe that I tried in our first ever microwave which we bought in Pune. Jatin loves lauki kofta and I think it is the only lauki (bottle gourd) recipe that he eats (except for when it is in sambar). I think before marriage he used to have it every week. I also love lauki (bottle gourd) and want lauki aloo ki sabzi every week. It was one of our go-to meals in my home. It is light and comforting. But after marriage whenever I bought lauki Jatin and I used to have a debate about which recipe will be cooked with it. He only wanted lauki kofta. & I can’t make it every week or every two weeks because it is deep fried and I don’t like to deep fry my food (unless necessary).
When we bought our microwave, one day I just thought to bake koftas instead of deep-frying them. I was a little nervous but when I served it to Jatin, he was blown away. He said that now we don’t need to fry koftas for this recipe. Phew. They were soft and light and the curry also seeped inside the koftas which I was worried about. I was happy and he was extremely happy because now he can have his favorite lauki recipe regularly. Since then I barely deep fry anything, except for bhajiyas (pakode) in monsoon season. I even made baked kadhi pakoda, baked spring rolls, baked falafels, etc.
What is lauki kofta?
Lauki Kofta is a popular Indian vegetarian recipe that is made using Bottle Gourd (lauki). This vegetable is widely grown all over India. This delicious recipe has tomato and onion-based curry or gravy dunked with deep-fried koftas made of lauki.
I have two recipes for lauki kofta so far. They both are absolutely different in taste and texture. This recipe is inspired by the lauki kofta recipe of one of my favorite chefs – Ranveer Brar. I took his recipe and decided to give a healthier twist to it. & here it is. Here is the video link to Ranveer Brar’s recipe.
Easy Swaps
- Curd: Use any plant-based curd instead.
- Ghee: You can use any cooking oil to make the gravy.
- Chana Dal: add soaked moong dal instead of soaked chana dal.
Is this recipe Vegan?
This recipe is inspired by Ranveer Brar’s kofta recipe and he used ghee and curd in the curry. I didn’t change that part. But you can definitely swap these ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Or you can check out my version of lauki kofta recipe.
More vegan recipes on the website: Vegan Dum Biryani, Kung Pao Tofu, Pindi Chole.
How to make koftas?
There are three methods to make kofta for this recipe.
- Deep Fry: This method is the most widely used one. For this, heat oil in a deep pan or kadhai and drop the ball-shaped koftas in it. Cook on high flame until golden brown.
2. Shallow-Fry: Ranveer Brar shallow fried the koftas which I found quite close to deep frying itself. But you can take a lesser amount of oil in a pan or just a few tablespoons. Place the patty-shaped koftas in the pan and cook them from both sides until golden brown. You can check out the recipe for broccoli fritters to know how it is done.
3. Oven/Microwave: Preheat oven to 200 C and bake koftas until they are golden brown. It takes around 25 minutes. You can even use an air-fryer. I never tried that though.
Follow this method in the recipe card below.
How to store the baked koftas?
Refrigeration: After baking, you can store these koftas in an air-tight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: You can even freeze the baked koftas and use them for up to a month. Put them in a container or zip-lock bag and store them in the freezer. When you want to use them, simply drop them in the hot curry and cook until soft.
You can even make small balls of the mixture and place them on a tray. Freeze until they harden. Then place them in a container and freeze for up to a month. When you want to use them, bake them directly in the oven.
How to serve Lauki Kofta?
Lauki Kofta can be served with some chappatis (roti), bhakri or rice. You can even serve some sliced cucumber, radish, and green chili on the side as a salad.
More Indian Vegetarian Recipes to try
Now grab all the ingredients because you are ready to make this tasty Indian recipe at home. It is perfect for lunch or brunch. If you try this recipe & like it too, please share the photo of your creation on Instagram and tag us @thefearlesscooking. We just love to see your recreation of our recipes.
Happy Cooking 🙂
Love from us
Richa & Jatin
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