Dal and Zucchini Koftas

This recipe is a variation of the lau or bottle gourd koftas that my mother-in-law makes. It is

a classic illustration of pure unudulterated simple Indian vegetarian cooking. She usually cooks without garlic and onion, over time I have learnt the subtle uses of asafetida which is often used in such recipes in lieu of the onion.

In this recipe, I use moong flour and grated zucchini for the koftas, the ginger tomato gravy is very true to the original recipe. A perfect dish for the somewhat cooler weather.

Dal and Zucchini Koftas

Serves 6-8

Ingredients

For the koftas

4 zuchinis grated

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp turmeric

1.5 cups moong flour

1 tsp chilli powder

1 tsp cumin-coriander powder

1 tsp salt

1/3 cup chopped cilantro leaves

2-3 green chillies minced

Oil for frying

For the gravy

2 tbsp oil

2 tsp grated ginger

1 tsp cumin-coriander powder

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/8 tsp asafetida

Salt to taste

6 tomatoes blanced and chopped finely

1/2 cup yogurt

1 tsp garam masala

1/2 cup finely chopped coriander leaves

Method of Preparation

1. Put the grated zucchini in a colander with the salt and turmeric and let this drain for half an hour. Do not squeeze the remaining water from this.

2. Mix with the moong dal flour and remaining indredients to form a thick batter like paste.

3. Heat the oil and drop tsps of the batter to make dumpling like koftas. Note: I usually get enough for two batches I separate and save half in the freezer for later use.

4. Heat the 2-3 tbsp oil and add the ginger and cook for 1 minutes.

5. Add the turmeric, chilli powder, cumin-coriander powder and asafetida and cook for a few seconds.

6. When aromatic, add the tomatoes and salt cook for 5-7 minutes till begining to turn brown.

7. Add the yogurt and 1/2 cup water and cook slowly till the liquid is absorbed and the oil begins to show (this takes a good 20 minutes.

8. Add half a cup of water, when the gravy begins to simmer add the koftas and cook for 3-4 minutes.

9. Garnish with the garam masala and cilantro and serve.