Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to the aromatic streets of Indian Malai Kofta? Look no further than the beloved Malai Kofta, a vegetarian delight that combines the richness of paneer and the creaminess of cashews in a luxurious gravy. This classic North Indian dish has been enjoyed for generations and is guaranteed to elevate your dining experience to new heights.
Ingredients
To create this gastronomic masterpiece, gather the following ingredients:
For the koftas
1/ 200g paneer (Indian cottage cheese), crumbled
3/ medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed
4/ 1/4 cup bread crumbs
5/ 2 tablespoons corn flour
6/ 1 teaspoon ginger paste
7/ 1 teaspoon green chili paste
8/ A handful of chopped coriander leaves
9/ Salt to taste
10/ Oil for frying
For the gravy
1/ 1 cup onion, finely chopped
2/ 2 tomatoes, pureed
3/ 1/4 cup cashews, soaked in warm water
4/ 1/4 cup fresh cream
5/ 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
6/ 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
7/ 1 teaspoon red chili powder
8/ 1 teaspoon garam masala
9/ 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
10/ 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
11/ 2 tablespoons butter or ghee, Salt to taste
Directions Malai Kofta
Prepare the Malai Kofta by following these steps
Making The Koftas
1/ In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled paneer, mashed potatoes, bread crumbs, corn flour, ginger paste, green chili paste, coriander leaves, and salt.
2/ Mix the ingredients well to form a soft dough-like consistency.
3/ Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into round balls or oval-shaped koftas.
4/ Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat and fry the koftas until golden brown. Set them aside.
Preparing The Gravy
1/ In a blender, grind soaked cashews into a smooth paste.
2/ Heat butter or ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
3/ Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4/ Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
5/ Add tomato puree, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook the mixture until the oil separates.
6/ Add the cashew paste and fresh cream, stirring well to combine.
7/ Add water to achieve the desired consistency and simmer for a few minutes.
How to Prepare Malai Kofta
To prepare Malai Kofta, first, prepare the koftas by combining the paneer, mashed potatoes, bread crumbs, corn flour, ginger paste, green chili paste, coriander leaves, and salt. Shape the mixture into balls and fry until golden brown. For the gravy, sauté onions, add spices, and cook until the oil separates. Then, incorporate the cashew paste, fresh cream, and water to achieve the desired consistency. Finally,
Malai Kofta Preparation Time
The preparation time for Malai Kofta is approximately 30 minutes, excluding the time required for soaking cashews. With its straightforward steps, you’ll have this tantalizing dish ready to be savored in no time.
Serving Malai Kofta
This recipe yields around 4 servings of Malai Kofta. Adjust the quantities accordingly if you need to serve more or fewer guests.
Malai Kofta, a delectable vegetarian delight! These paneer and vegetable dumplings in fragrant tomato gravy will leave you craving for more.
Tricks and Tips To Enhance Your Malai Kofta
Paneer Preparation: For the koftas, ensure the paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is fresh and crumbly. You can make paneer at home by curdling milk with lemon juice or vinegar and straining it. Homemade paneer tends to have a better texture and flavor compared to store-bought options.
Mashed Potato Binding: To bind the koftas together, use well-boiled and mashed potatoes. The potatoes add a smooth and creamy texture to the koftas and help hold their shape.
Deep-Frying Technique: Heat the oil to the right temperature before frying the koftas. The oil should be hot enough so that the koftas cook through and develop a golden-brown crust. Fry the koftas in small batches to ensure even cooking and maintain the oil temperature.
Creamy Tomato-Based Gravy: Prepare a rich and creamy tomato-based gravy for the Malai Kofta. Sauté onions until golden brown, then add ginger-garlic paste and cook until fragrant. Add tomato puree or diced tomatoes and simmer until the tomatoes break down and release their flavors. For a smooth and velvety texture, blend the gravy before proceeding.
Cashew Nut Paste: To make the gravy extra creamy and rich, add a cashew nut paste. Soak cashew nuts in warm water for 15-20 minutes and then grind them into a smooth paste. This adds a luscious texture and a subtle sweetness to the gravy.
Spice Blending: Use a combination of aromatic spices like cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric, and red chili powder to season the gravy. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
Creamy Finishing Touch: Just before serving, add a generous amount of fresh cream or heavy cream to the gravy. This enriches the flavor and gives the dish its characteristic creamy taste. Stir the cream gently into the gravy being careful not to overcook it.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Malai Kofta with a sprinkle of dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), fresh cream, and chopped cilantro. This adds a touch of freshness and enhances the presentation of the dish.
With these tips, you’ll be able to enhance the flavor and texture of your Malai Kofta dish. Enjoy the deliciousness of Malai Kofta!
Nutrition Facts
Malai Kofta is a popular Indian dish made with deep-fried vegetable or paneer (Indian cottage cheese) balls served in a creamy tomato-based gravy. The nutrition facts for Malai Kofta can vary depending on the recipe and serving size, but I can provide you with a general estimate for a typical serving.
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the ingredients used and cooking methods:
Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 200 grams)
Calories In Malai Kofta
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Macronutrients
- Protein: Approximately 8-12 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 2-4 grams
- Sugars: Approximately 4-6 grams
- Fat: Approximately 25-35 grams
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 10-15 grams
Vitamins and Minerals
- Sodium: Approximately 600-800 milligrams
- Potassium: Approximately 300-400 milligrams
- Calcium: Approximately 100-150 milligrams
- Iron: Approximately 2-4 milligrams
Please keep in mind that these values are general estimates and can vary based on the recipe and portion size. The specific ingredients used, such as the type and amount of nuts, cream, and other ingredients, can significantly impact the nutrition content of Malai Kofta. If you have a specific recipe or product in mind, it’s best to refer to the nutrition label or consult a registered dietitian for more accurate information.
