Dudhi na Kofta Recipe - Vegetarian Indian Dish

Dudhi na Kofta

Dudhi na Kofta Recipe - Vegetarian Indian Dish
Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4 | Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Dudhi na Kofta
Dudhi na Kofta

Dudhi na Kofta is a delicious and flavorful Indian dish made with grated dudhi (bottle gourd) formed into kofta balls and cooked in a rich and creamy gravy. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a comforting meal at home.

History

Dudhi na Kofta has its origins in Indian cuisine, where koftas are a popular dish made with a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, meat, or cheese. The use of dudhi in this recipe adds a unique and refreshing flavor to the koftas, making it a favorite among many.

Ingredients

Kofta

Gravy

How to prepare

  1. Mix all the ingredients and form kofta balls.
  2. Fry the kofta balls in oil until they turn golden brown.
  3. Set the fried kofta balls aside.
  4. Heat ghee in a pan and add asafoetida, followed by the chopped onion.
  5. Then add the ginger-garlic paste, cashew paste, garam masala, chopped tomatoes, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt.
  6. Add the fried kofta balls to the well-cooked gravy.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with cream and coriander.

Variations

  • Add paneer or tofu to the kofta mixture for a different texture and flavor.
  • Use almond paste instead of cashew paste for a nut-free version of the gravy.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to squeeze out excess water from the grated dudhi before forming the kofta balls to prevent them from becoming soggy.

- Fry the kofta balls until they are golden brown to ensure they are cooked through and have a crispy exterior.

- Adjust the spices in the gravy according to your taste preferences to make the dish more or less spicy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Dudhi na Kofta with steamed rice or naan for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the kofta balls until golden brown ensures they are cooked through and have a crispy exterior.

- Cooking the gravy until the tomatoes are well-cooked helps develop the flavors of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute dudhi with zucchini or squash if dudhi is not available.

- Use chickpea flour (besan) instead of regular flour for a gluten-free version of the kofta.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the kofta balls in advance and fry them just before serving to save time.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Dudhi na Kofta with a dollop of cream and fresh coriander leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Dudhi na Kofta with a side of raita or salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy gravy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Dudhi na Kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Fats: 15g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Dudhi is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

Contains nuts (cashew paste)

Summary

Dudhi na Kofta is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Dudhi na Kofta is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a comforting meal at home. With a rich and creamy gravy and crispy kofta balls, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Dudhi na Kofta. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My grandmother, who was known for her culinary skills, had passed down many recipes to me over the years. But this one was different.

I had been visiting a friend’s house one day when I saw her mother preparing these delicious-looking dumplings in a creamy curry sauce. When I asked her what she was making, she told me it was Dudhi na Kofta – a traditional Gujarati dish made with bottle gourd dumplings in a rich tomato and cream sauce.

I was immediately intrigued and asked her if she could teach me how to make it. She smiled and welcomed me into her kitchen, where she patiently guided me through the process of making the koftas. I learned how to grate the bottle gourd, squeeze out the excess water, mix it with spices and besan (gram flour), and shape it into small dumplings.

As the koftas were frying in the hot oil, the kitchen filled with the aroma of cumin, coriander, and turmeric. My friend’s mother then showed me how to make the creamy tomato sauce, which involved frying onions, garlic, and ginger until golden brown, adding tomatoes, cream, and a blend of spices.

When the koftas were cooked and the sauce was simmering, she arranged the dumplings in a serving dish and poured the fragrant sauce over them. The final touch was a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves and a drizzle of cream.

I took my first bite of Dudhi na Kofta and was instantly transported to a world of flavors and textures. The koftas were light and fluffy, with a subtle sweetness from the bottle gourd, while the sauce was creamy and rich, with a perfect balance of spices.

From that day on, Dudhi na Kofta became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tried it. The recipe had become a cherished part of my culinary heritage, a symbol of the friendships and connections that had shaped my love for food.

Over the years, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own personal touches and variations. Sometimes I would add a hint of garam masala for extra warmth, or a dollop of yogurt for a tangy twist. Each time I made Dudhi na Kofta, I felt a sense of pride and joy in sharing this traditional dish with others.

As I grew older and passed the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, I realized the true power of food to bring people together, to create memories and traditions that would last a lifetime. Dudhi na Kofta had become more than just a dish – it was a connection to my past, a link to my heritage, a reminder of the love and generosity that had shaped my culinary journey.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on the many years that have passed since that fateful day in my friend’s kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the recipe that changed my life. Dudhi na Kofta will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joys and blessings that food can bring to our lives.

Categories

| Cashew Recipes | Chickpea Flour Recipes | Cilantro Recipes | Garam Masala Recipes | Ginger Recipes | Gujarati Vegetarian | Indian Recipes | Onion Recipes | Tomato Recipes |

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