Zucchini Kofta Curry

Prep Time: 25-30 mins I Cooking Time: 1 hr 10 mins I Serving: 2-3

Ingredients :-

For Koftas :-

1 medium-sized/200g Zucchini (peeled, washed & grated)

½ cup/ 100g Chickpea Flour/Besan

2 tbsp/20 g Cornflour/Cornstarch

½ tsp Red Chilli Powder

½ tsp Coriander Powder

Salt to taste

Veg Oil (enough for deep frying)

For Gravy/Curry :-

4 tbsp/60 ml Veg Oil (divided equally)

8-10 Garlic Cloves (peeled)

1-2 Green Chilli (chopped)

4 Onion, med-sized (roughly sliced)

3 Tomatoes, med-sized (grind to purée)

½ tsp Turmeric Powder

1.5 tsp Red Chilli Powder

½ tsp Cumin Powder

1 tsp Coriander Powder

½ tsp Garam Masala Powder

Salt to taste

3 tbsp + 1 cup / 230ml Water (for the paste + for the curry)

3 tbsp/50 ml Fresh Thick Cream

4-5 Fresh Coriander Sprigs (finely chopped)

Method :-

For Koftas :-

Peel off the zucchini skin, wash and grate in a large bowl. Squeeze out the excess water and reserve it(water) for the gravy/curry

In a large bowl add the grated zucchini + chickpea flour + cornflour + red chilli powder + salt + coriander powder. Mix well and make a semi-thick mixture/batter

Heat oil in a non-stick pan. Take small portions of the batter and slowly drop into the hot oil, a few at a time and deep-fry the koftas in batches for 5 -7 minutes on low-medium flame, flip the other side and cook for another 3-4 mins

Lower down the flame and with the help of a slotted spoon, dish out and place on an absorbent paper

Similarly, prepare the remaining koftas and set aside for later use

For Gravy/Curry:-

Heat 2 tbsp veg oil in a pan /kadai. Add garlic cloves + chopped green chillies to the pan and stir for 2-3 mins on low-medium flame

Next add onion to the pan and sauté for 7-8 mins on low-medium flame until colour changes to light golden brown

Turn off the flame, and let the onions cool down. Once slightly cold add the sautéed onions into the grinder jar and 3 tbsp of water and grind to a smooth paste

Heat 2 tbsp veg oil in a pan /kadai. Add onion paste/mix to the pan and sauté for 4-5 mins on low-medium flame

Next, add tomato purée to the pan. Mix well and stir for 3-4 mins on low-medium flame

Add salt + red chilli powder + turmeric powder + cumin powder + coriander powder + garam masala powder to the pan. Mix well and stir for 5-7 mins on low medium flame until oil separates from the masala

Add the reserved zucchini water to the pan and mix well. Add more water to the pan for the gravy/curry and let it come to a boil. Once it starts boiling, cover and let it simmer for 10-15 mins on low flame. Keep stirring in intervals

Once gravy thickens add fresh thick cream to the pan and mix well

Add the fried Koftas to the pan and mix gently and cook for another 3-4 mins. Add chopped coriander and switch off the gas

Garnish with fresh cream

Time to Taste :)

Serve hot with Tawa Paratha, Laccha Paratha, Ghee Chapati, Butter Garlic Naan and some pickled onions and fresh salad

Note : pls adjust the spice levels to your taste.