Malai Kofta is a beloved Indian food that’s both indulgent and delicious. It’s a popular dish among all the Indian restaurants. This classic dish consists of deep-fried vegetable or paneer (Indian cottage cheese) dumplings served in a creamy tomato-based gravy, and I’m excited to share more about it with you.
The creamy tomato-based gravy for Malai Kofta is made with a blend of tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, and a variety of spices. Cream or cashew paste is often added to give the gravy its rich and velvety texture.
Introduction to Malai Kofta Recipe / Malai Kofta Curry / Paneer Kofta Curry
Malai Kofta is a popular North Indian dish that consists of soft and creamy kofta balls made with paneer and potatoes, served in a rich and flavorful gravy. It is a delicious and indulgent vegetarian option that is loved by many. In this blog section, we will explore the process of making this delectable dish from scratch.
Overview of Malai Kofta
Malai Kofta is a popular North Indian dish that features soft and creamy kofta balls made with paneer and potatoes, served in a rich and flavorful gravy. It is a vegetarian delight that satisfies the taste buds with its creamy and indulgent texture.
Making of Malai Kofta Recipe
Malai Kofta or malai kofta curry starts with making the kofta, which are typically made from a mixture of mashed potatoes, paneer, and various spices. These dumplings are then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and flavorful on the inside. To make this recipe, Check out the full recipe in the recipe card below.
Malai Kofta Recipe
Ingredients
For the Koftas:
- 2 cups Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) grated
- 2 medium Potatoes boiled and mashed
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour (maida)
- 2 tablespoons Corn flour or arrowroot powder
- 1/4 cup Cashew nuts finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Raisins finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Ginger-garlic paste
- 1 Green chili finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons Oil or ghee
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 2 Tomatoes finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Tomato paste optional
- 1 teaspoon Ginger-garlic paste
- 1 Green chili finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Cashew nuts soaked in warm water for 30 minutes
- 1/4 cup Fresh cream
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Red chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon Sugar optional
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Koftas
- In a large mixing bowl, combine grated paneer, mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, corn flour, chopped cashew nuts, chopped raisins, ginger-garlic paste, green chili, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth and firm dough.
- Divide the dough into equal-sized portions and shape them into round or oval-shaped koftas.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently slide the koftas into the oil and fry them until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Gravy
- Heat oil or ghee in a separate pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chili to the pan. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add chopped tomatoes and tomato paste (if using) to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
- Drain the soaked cashew nuts and transfer them to a blender. Blend them into a smooth paste, adding a little water if needed.
- Add the cashew paste to the pan and cook for a few minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Stir in coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, sugar (if using), and salt to the pan. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in fresh cream and mix until well incorporated. Cook the gravy for a few more minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Just before serving, gently place the fried koftas into the prepared gravy.
- Simmer the koftas in the gravy for a couple of minutes to allow them to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
Tips and Information
Tips and Information
- Variations: You can customize the koftas by adding ingredients like grated carrots, chopped spinach, or minced nuts for added flavor and texture.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the koftas and gravy ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving. This is especially helpful when entertaining guests.
- Cream Substitution: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute fresh cream with yogurt or coconut milk in the gravy.
- Serving Suggestion: Malai Kofta pairs well with a side of raita (yogurt sauce), pickles, or sliced onions for a complete meal experience.
Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments
When it comes to serving Malai Kofta, I like to pair it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. It also goes well with a side of cucumber yogurt raita for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy!
Ideal serving suggestions for Malai Kofta
Malai Kofta gravy pairs well with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. It also goes well with a side of cucumber yogurt raita for a refreshing contrast.
Pairing options with bread or rice
Pair Malai Kofta with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread for a delicious meal. The creamy sauce compliments the rice, while the kofta balls are perfect for dipping in the bread.
Tips for making the best malai kofta
To ensure the perfect Malai Kofta, make sure to use fresh ingredients, properly season the kofta mixture, fry the kofta balls until golden brown, and simmer the sauce for a rich and creamy consistency. You can use homemade paneer for the best result, if that’s not an option store bought paneer will work fine too.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making Malai Kofta at home is a rewarding experience. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can recreate this classic Indian dish and enjoy its rich and creamy flavors. Don’t forget to experiment and adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Do try this recipe and share your experience with me. Happy cooking!
Final thoughts on making Malai Kofta at home
Making Malai Kofta at home is a rewarding experience. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can recreate this classic Indian dish and enjoy its rich and creamy flavors. Don’t forget to experiment and adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences. For more amazing new recipes, keep in touch with us,