Bottle Gourd Kofta Curry (Louki)

The recipe I have for you today is my mom-in-law's recipe. MIL makes yummy pakodi/kofta curries and kadhi chaawal. I've tried making it on my own many times and somehow it never turns out the way her's does.I think the trick is she uses minimum spice powders and avoids garam masala whenever possible. I on the other hand, don't think a curry is complete without the customary sprinkling of garam masala on top.

I'm not a big fan of Louki. Somehow associate Louki as a veggie to be eaten when you have jaundice. But make koftas of Louki this way and you will refuse to believe it is bland in any way.

Ingredients
For the Koftas:
1 small bottle gourd (Louki),grated
Gram Flour/Besan : 3 tbsp
Coriander Seeds: 1 tsp
Pepper Seeds : 1/2 tsp
Salt to taste
Oil for frying

For the curry:
1 large Onion (finely chopped or ground)
2 Tomatoes: finely chopped
Ginger Garlic Paste: 1 tsp
Turmeric Powder: 1/2 tsp
Coriander Powder: 1 tsp
Chilli Powder: 1/2 tsp
Salt
Oil: 1 tbsp
Cilantro for garnishing

Method

To make the koftas: IN a bowl, mix in all the ingredients for the koftas and make a thick batter. Adjust the amounts of water/besan for the right consistency. Make small balls of the batter and deep fry them in oil to make the Louki koftas. Drain into a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Keep aside.

Now make the curry this way:
1) Fry the onions in hot oil till they turn golden brown
2) Add tomatoes and fry till they change color
3) Add the ginger garlic paste and continue frying.
4) Now add in all the powders(turmeric, chilli, coriander) and continue stirring.
5) Add about 2 cups of water and boil the gravy.
6) Turn off the gas and add the koftas.
7) Sprinkle cilantro for garnishing.

Note:
a) Always add the koftas in the end, after the gravy is ready. Do not boil the curry with the koftas in it, to avoid them from getting too soggy.
b) If you have made more koftas than required, save them in the fridge. They can be used another day.