Thank goodness for Madhur Jaffery. Another good way to use some of the glut of courgettes. These delicious deep fried balls, baked in a spicy tomato sauce are perfect with rice or breads and a dollop of natural yogurt.
For the koftas
3 medium courgettes – grated
½ onion – finely chopped
1 small green or red chili – finely chopped
2-3 tablespoons fresh coriander – chopped
1 teaspoon fresh ginger – finely chopped
½ teaspoon salt
About ½ cup or so gram flour
oil for deep frying
Place the courgettes in a tea towel or muslin and squeeze to get as much liquid out as possible. Now mix all the ingredients together. Heat the oil. When hot, take a small amount of the courgette mixture and squeeze into a ball – slightly smaller than a golf ball. Fry in batches for about 5-7 minutes each batch so the koftas are browned. Place on kitchen paper to cool and to remove some of the excess oil.
For the sauce
2 tablespoons sunflower oil
2 onions – finely chopped
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
a little cayenne pepper or chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1x400g tin tomatoes
½ teaspoon garam masala
½ teaspoon salt
Heat the oil then gently fry the onions for about 7 minutes until soft and starting to brown. Now add the turmeric, cumin, cayenne and coriander and fry again for a few seconds. Now add the tomatoes. Simmer for about 10 minutes then remove from heat and blend into a smooth sauce. Add the garam masala and salt.
Place the koftas in a large ovenproof dish then pour over the sauce. Bake in the oven at 190C for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is bubbling hot.
Food From 4 
Could I make ahead of time and reheat?
Hi Charlene. Yes. You could make both the kofta and the sauce separately, then put the dish together and heat when ready to eat
Great. Much thanks. Looks delish!
Lovely koftas. Added some body to it by grating paneer half a cup…. Lovely recipe. Thanks
Great idea. I love oaneer. I guess it helps the balls to hold together better too
Perfect as a starter snack without the sauce… just add pickle of choice
I love ur recipe , today I try it, it’s so delicious and easily make it. Thanks
what is half a cup in ozs
It’s about 6oz or 170g
This is the second time I have cooked this scrumptious dish! I think though you could actually double the kofta mix and still have plenty of the sauce if kept the same.
Glad you like them Cheryl, and with the courgette season in full swing here, doubling up is a good way to get through them.
My children are not very fond of most vegetables. But these koftas with hidden courgett. They loved it. They kept saying yummy yummy…..
Spotted this on pinterest, looks so delicious! Was it from a Madhur Jaffery recipe book or online? Just wondering because I’ll like more from where this came from!
Hi Evie. It’s from her eastern vegetarian cookbook. Not sure if it is still in print though
Brilliant, thank you! Really enjoyed looking through your blog, I’ll let you know when I try something out!