Air Fryer Lauki Ke Kofte

Try this simple, delicious and healthy India recipe in the air fryer. Dumplings in a delicious curry sauce made from Bottle Gourd. 

This is one of my favourite recipes that my mom makes. Traditionally the Kofte (dumplings) have to be fried, then added to the curry. However a few weeks ago we tried this family favourite with the airfryer and we just fell in love with it. It is a frequent guilt free dinner at our home now. It is easy to make too.

Ingredients for Kofte

• Medium sized bottle gourd or Lauki
• 1 cup Besan (Chik pea flour)
• 1 tsp chopped ginger
• 1-2 green chillies – chopped
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• Salt – to taste
• Red Chilly powder – to taste
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp olive oil

Make the Kofte

• Start with a medium size Lauki (Bottle Gourd)
• Shred the Gourd and let it sit for 15 minutes
• Then squeeze as much juice out of it as you can. Save the juice for use with the gravy – this is very healthy. This step is important otherwise the batter will be too runny. The Gourd has a lot of water naturally.
• To make the batter, mix the shredded and squeezed gourd with enough Besan (chick pea flour) to make a very thick batter. See the video for consistency needed. Add salt, green chillies, ginger, red chilly powder, garam masala and mix well.
• Add 1/2 tsp of baking powder and 2 tbsp of olive oil to the batter and mix thoroughly.
• Pre-heat the airfryer at 180 C for three minutes. Then add the mix in small lumps in the tray and cook for 10 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Be sure to check in between as different air fryers may cook in different durations.

Ingredients for Gravy

• 1/2 cup onions – chopped
• 1 tsp – Cumin Seeds
• 1 tsp Ginger – chopped
• 1-2 green chillies – chopped finely
• 2 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp – Turmeric
• 1/2 tsp – Mango Powder
• 1/2 tsp – Garam Masala
• Salt – to taste
• Red Chilly Powder – to taste
• 3 tbsp of tomato paste
• Green coriander leaves – chopped finely for garnishing
• Coconut oil for cooking

How to make gravy

• In a pan melt 2 tbsp of coconut oil
• When hot, add cumin seeds, ginger and green chillies
• Add chopped onions and fry till golden brown
• Add half cup of water and bring to a boil
• Add tomato paste, coriander powder, turmeric, mango powder, garam masala, salt and red chillies
• Mix well until smooth
• Add water as needed and simmer for 5 minutes
• Add Kofte and bring to a boil
• Let it sit for 15 minutes before serving