Celebrate Navratri with this delicious and light sattvik Lauki Paneer Kofta recipe, perfect for your festive thali. This wholesome dish combines the goodness of bottle gourd (lauki) and paneer into soft, steamed koftas that are indulgent yet easy to digest. Ideal for fasting meals or as a snack, it pairs beautifully with farali kadhi, light yogurt dips, or a simple tempering of spices.
To make the koftas, peel and grate one small lauki and squeeze out the excess water. In a mixing bowl, combine the lauki with ¼ cup grated paneer, 2 cups rajgira flour, 1 tsp cumin seeds, rock salt, black pepper, 1–2 chopped green chilies, 2 tbsp fresh coriander, and 1 tsp chopped ginger. Add a little lauki water to form a soft dough. Shape into small muthiyas and steam for 12–15 minutes. Once cooled, cut into bite-sized pieces.
For the tempering, heat 1–2 tsp oil in a pan and add 1 tsp cumin seeds, 2 sprigs of curry leaves, and 1 chopped green chili. Toss the steamed muthiya pieces in the pan for 2–3 minutes until lightly crisp. Finish with a dash of lemon juice and serve warm. This recipe offers a light yet indulgent addition to your Navratri menu, combining traditional flavors with festive flair.
Enjoy a wholesome Navratri thali with this easy-to-make Lauki Paneer Kofta that is both healthy and satisfying, perfect for fasting or family celebrations.