December 3, 2012

Lauki Palak Ke Kofte (Kofta) Masala | Bottle Gourd and Spinach Balls in Tomato Gravy Recipe + winners for the giveaways


The months of November and December were just like any other until a few years ago. They became a season of music, joy and merriment once I moved to US. the holiday baking, the beautifully decorated christmas trees, the snowmen, the brightly lit up reindeers in front of almost every house, the gifts, the carols dimly humming at all cafes, the deals to buy super cool stuff dead cheap, meeting friends & family and travelling - all these symbolize the holiday season now. After experiencing all these for 6 long winters, the memories come back to me, regardless of where I am right now, right this moment.

New York is a magical city and every time I hear this song - Its the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams, it reminds me of time I spent there. Awesome time, I tell ya which I will cherish forever, and ever!



 

Today's recipe too - Lauki Palak Ke Kofte (Kofta) Masala brings back loads of memories when my mother used to make this along with a simple Rice Cooker Biryani as our Sunday special. :-)

Scroll down to know the lucky winners who won the previously announced giveaways - Canon Powershot camera, 25$ amazon and olive garden gift cards.

Enjoy!

{Recipe} Lauki Palak Ke Kofte (Kofta) Masala 

Lauki Palak Ke Kofte

ready to be fried..

To serve as an appetizer, ignore the gravy and use as-is. Yum! 

Notes: 

1. For lesser calories, the bottle gourd-spinach balls can be baked with a brushing of oil.
2. If using tomato puree, use finely chopped onions and there is no need to grind into a paste.
3. Let the balls be dunked into the tomato gravy before serving so that they soak up all the lovely flavors.

Makes for around 4-5 servings

Ingredients:

For the Kofte -

1 medium sized lauki (bottle gourd) ~ around 2 cups of grated lauki
1 cup chopped palak
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 cup besan (chickpea flour)
1 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
oil - for frying

For the gravy -

2 onions, chopped
4 tomatoes, chopped (or you can use tomato puree as well)
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1/2 tsp turmeric
salt - to taste (Adjust little by little as the kofte have salt too)
1/2 tsp or more garam masala
a pinch of sugar
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp of beaten yogurt (optional)
chopped coriander, for garnishing

Preparation:

1. Grate bottle gourd. Taking some at a time, using a muslin or thin cloth and squeeze all the water out of it by pressing between the palms. Finely chop spinach.

2. In a bowl, mix in squeezed bottle gourd, spinach and rest of the ingredients listed under "For the Kofte". Donot use any water. The liquid in the chopped spinach is enough to make into a dough. Make small lemon sized balls.

3. Heat enough oil in a kadai and gently fry few balls at a time until golden brown. Drain excess oil on paper towels.

4. For the gravy - heat a tbsp of oil in a kadai. Add ginger garlic paste and onions. Let it cook for few minutes. Add tomatoes. Stir well and cook until mushy. Cool a bit and grind into a fine paste.

5. Add the tomato-onion paste into the same kadai and add all the spices & seasonings - salt, turmeric, garam masala and sugar. Add a cup of water. Cook until oil starts to separate. Stir in the yogurt if using.

6. Drop the kofta balls into the gravy. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and garnish with coriander. Serve with rice, roti or any kind of bread.

Serving Suggestions: Home-made Coconut Milk Fried Rice Perfectly Baked Brown RiceMethi PulaoGobhi/Cauliflower Paratha, Palak Thepla and Roti Telur 


Now are you ready to know who won the three exciting giveaways announced for this holiday season. Here are the lucky ones -

The 25$ Amazon Gift Card goes to Comment # 94 which is from - Carolsue.


The 25$ Olive Garden Gift Card goes to Comment # 7 from Mary




Hearty Congratulations to all winners and I will contact you pretty soon for your shipping details and Thanks all for enthusiastically participating in all the giveaways!

~~ Happy Holidays ~~


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until next time,

6 comments :

  1. Awesome clicks as always, beautifully done...
    O' congratulations to the winner as well

    ReplyDelete
  2. Looks beautiful, I always tend to prepare Kofte but before I make the gravy they are done and finish !

    ReplyDelete
  3. congrats to winners... n the kofta looks so tempting n excel clicks...

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love the way you have clicked the last pic ...want to take away that serving bowl and enjoy my lunch today. Siri I have left a message (FB) please do check it

    ReplyDelete
  5. Siri....you have made them look so gorgeous and I feel like grabbing a kofta right from the screen.....awesome pics....you know it is an happy feeling to see you name in the winner list when you are facing so many downs in life.....you lifted my soul buddy.....thank you.....I think Deepa has messaged you....I am right now shuffing between my in-laws and moms place....so could not give any address.....thank you again....

    ReplyDelete

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