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Vegan Kofta Curry with Lauki Recipe

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🥒 Vegan Kofta Curry with Lauki (Bottle Gourd) – Creamy, Healthy & Delicious

If you’re looking for a healthy Indian curry recipe that is rich, comforting, and completely plant-based, this Vegan Kofta Curry with Lauki (Bottle Gourd) is the perfect choice. Made with grated lauki koftas simmered in a creamy tomato-cashew gravy, this dish delivers restaurant-style flavors without dairy.

Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or simply trying to eat lighter meals, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

⭐ What is Lauki Kofta Curry?

Lauki (also called bottle gourd) is known as Lagenaria siceraria in botanical terms. In Indian households, it is widely used in curries, dals, and koftas.

Traditionally, kofta curry includes paneer or cream-based gravy. This vegan version replaces dairy with cashew cream and plant-based ingredients, making it:

  • 100% vegan
  • Dairy-free
  • Egg-free
  • Rich yet healthy
  • Perfect for lunch or dinner

📌 Why You’ll Love This Vegan Lauki Kofta Curry

✔ Soft, melt-in-the-mouth koftas
✔ Creamy, dairy-free gravy
✔ Budget-friendly ingredients
✔ Great for meal prep
✔ Kid-friendly taste
✔ Perfect for Indian festive menus

🛒 Ingredients

For Lauki Kofta

  • 2 cups grated lauki (bottle gourd)
  • 4 tbsp besan (gram flour)
  • 2 tbsp rice flour
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp red chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for shallow or deep frying

For Vegan Curry Gravy

  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 tomatoes (pureed)
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • ½ tsp garam masala
  • ¼ tsp red chili powder
  • ¼ cup soaked cashews (blended into paste)
  • 1 cup water (adjust consistency)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander for garnish

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Kofta Mixture

  1. Squeeze excess water from grated lauki.
  2. Add besan, rice flour, spices, and ginger-garlic paste.
  3. Mix well to form a soft dough.
  4. Shape into small round balls.

💡 Tip: If mixture feels watery, add extra besan.

Step 2: Fry the Koftas

  • Heat oil and fry koftas on medium flame.
  • Fry until golden brown.
  • Drain on paper towel.

You can also air-fry or bake at 180°C for a healthier version.

Step 3: Prepare Vegan Curry Base

  1. Heat oil in a pan.
  2. Add bay leaf and cumin seeds.
  3. Add onions and sauté until golden.
  4. Add ginger-garlic paste.
  5. Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
  6. Add spices and cook for 2 minutes.
  7. Add cashew paste and water.
  8. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

  • Add fried koftas just before serving.
  • Simmer 2 minutes.
  • Garnish with coriander.

Serve hot with:

  • Roti
  • Naan
  • Jeera rice
  • Steamed basmati rice

🥗 Nutritional Benefits of Lauki

Lauki (bottle gourd) is:

  • Low in calories
  • High in water content
  • Rich in fiber
  • Good for digestion
  • Supports weight management

It’s considered one of the healthiest vegetables in Indian cuisine.

🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Kofta Curry

  • Always squeeze excess water from lauki.
  • Do not overcook koftas in gravy.
  • Use soaked cashews for ultra-creamy texture.
  • Add 1 tbsp coconut milk for extra richness.
  • For gluten-free option, skip besan and use chickpea flour (naturally gluten-free).

🧊 Storage & Meal Prep Tips

  • Store gravy separately for up to 3 days.
  • Add koftas fresh before serving.
  • Freeze gravy (without koftas) for 1 month.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I bake lauki kofta instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 180°C for 20–25 minutes or air-fry for a healthier option.

2. Can I make this without cashews?

Yes, substitute with melon seeds or sunflower seeds paste.

3. Is lauki kofta curry good for weight loss?

Yes, especially if koftas are baked instead of fried.

4. Can I use coconut milk instead of cashew paste?

Absolutely! It adds South-Indian style flavor.

5. How do I prevent koftas from breaking?

Squeeze lauki well and balance flour quantity.

🥘 Variations You Can Try

  • Add spinach puree to gravy.
  • Make onion-free version for fasting.
  • Add peas for extra protein.
  • Make spicy North-Indian style version.

🌱 Why This Recipe Ranks High for Vegan Diets

This recipe is ideal for:

  • Vegan meal plans
  • Dairy-free Indian recipes
  • Plant-based dinner ideas
  • Healthy Indian curries
  • Lauki recipes for weight loss

It combines traditional flavors with modern health-conscious cooking.

📢 Final Thoughts

If you’ve been avoiding lauki because you find it bland, this Vegan Kofta Curry with Lauki will completely change your mind. Creamy, comforting, and packed with Indian spices, it proves that healthy food can be incredibly delicious.

Try this recipe today and transform a humble vegetable into a restaurant-style vegan masterpiece!

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