Malai Kofta

Malai Kofta is a very popularNorth Indian vegetarian dish where balls (kofta) made of potato and paneer are deep fried and served with a creamy and spiced tomato based curry. In this recipe, koftas are made with Potato and paneer, stuffed with paneer, cashew, raisins, anddunked in a creamy, smooth, scrumptious, lightly sweet onion tomato based gravy!

This rich curry is one of my family’s most favourite dish.It pairs very well with Tandoori roti and Naan!

Ingredients

 

For Kofta:

Boiled and mashed potatoes-1 cup

Grated paneer-1 cup

Ginger and green chilies-1tsp

Corn flour-2 tbsp

Chopped raisins-1 tbsp

Chopped cashew-1 tbsp

Oil for deep frying

Ingredients

For gravy :

Chopped red tomatoes-1 cup

Chopped onions-1 cup

Ginger, garlic and green chilies-1tsp

Cashew- few

Water-1/2 cup

For Malai kofta 

Butter- 1 tbsp

Oil- 1 tsp

Garam masala-1 tsp

Coriander powder-1 tsp

Turmeric powder- ½ tsp

Redchill powder- 1 tsp

Cumin seeds-1 tsp

Kasuri methi- 1 tsp

Whole spices (bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, green cardamom)

Sugar- 1 tsp

Other ingredients

Cilantro and heavy cream for garnishing

 

Method:

1.First, make the gravy. Take onion, tomato, ginger, garlic, cashew nuts and water in a saucepan. Cook on medium heat till Onions and tomatoes become soft.

2.Then make a smooth puree out of using a blender and make tomato onion into smooth paste. 

3.Use a strainer and strain the puree into another bowl. This makes sure the gravy is really smooth.

4.Put the same pan on medium heat again. Once hot, add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1tsp oil. Let the butter melt.

5.Once hot add bay leaf, cloves, cardamom and cinnamon stick, fry for few seconds.

6.Add in the pureed gravy and cook for 2 minutes. Then add the coriander powder, kashmiri red chili powder, salt, sugar and garam masala.

7.Let the curry cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add crushed kasuri methi and then cream.

8.Cook for additional 2 to 3 minutes on medium-low heat. Mix well. Turn off the stove.  The gravy is now done. Set aside and make kofta.

Make the Kofta:

 1.Boil the potatoes using a pressure cooker  ;Once the potatoes are boiled, let them cool a bit then peel and mash them.

2.To a large bowl, now add all ingredients for kofta- boiled and mashed potatoes, grated paneer, finely chopped ginger, cilantro, green chili, cashews, raisins, cornstarch, salt,  Mix everything together with your hands to form a dough.

3.Start making koftas from the dough. Take some part of the dough and roll between your palms to make it round.Similarly makes all the koftas.

4.Heat enough oil to fry in a kadai on medium-high heat. Make sure oil is hot,Drop koftas in hot oil and fry until golden brown from both sides.

5.Remove the fried koftas on a paper towel.

Serve the Malai Kofta:

1.To serve place koftas on plate and top with the gravy. Garnish with cream and cilantro Or you can also place the gravy first on the serving plate, drizzle with cream and place koftas on top.

Enjoy malai kofta with naan/ roti  or rice!