Malai Kofta Recipe
Malai Kofta Recipe: As a housewife and a food critic, I have a deep love for traditional Indian cuisine, and one of my absolute favorite dishes is the mouth-watering Malai Kofta. The rich and creamy flavor of the kofta mixed with the tangy tomato-based sauce is truly a delight for the taste buds. The aroma of the spices cooking in the sauce, mixed with the sweetness of the cream, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The soft and smooth texture of the kofta, paired with the spicy and slightly tangy sauce, creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is truly unparalleled. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular weeknight dinner, Malai Kofta never fails to impress.
What is Malai Kofta
Malai Kofta is a popular vegetarian dish from India, made with a mixture of grated vegetables and paneer, formed into small balls and fried until golden brown. These koftas are then simmered in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, creating a dish that is both satisfying and flavorful. The koftas themselves are soft and tender, with a slightly crunchy exterior, while the sauce is thick and velvety, with a perfect balance of spices and sweetness. This dish is typically served with rice or roti, and is a staple at many Indian dinner tables.
Variations of Malai Kofta
Kadhai Malai Kofta – This variation features a spicier and tangier sauce, made with a blend of Kadhai spices and fresh tomatoes. The koftas themselves are usually made with a mixture of vegetables and paneer, and are fried until golden brown.
Mughlai Malai Kofta – This version of the dish is a more luxurious and rich take on the classic recipe. The koftas are made with a mixture of mashed potatoes and paneer, and are simmered in a rich cream and tomato-based sauce. This variation is typically garnished with nuts and raisins, adding an extra layer of texture and sweetness to the dish.
Vegan Malai Kofta – For those following a vegan diet, this version of the dish replaces the paneer with tofu or a mixture of grated vegetables. The koftas are then simmered in a creamy vegan tomato sauce, creating a delicious and healthy alternative to the traditional recipe.
Instant Pot Malai Kofta – For those short on time, this variation utilizes an Instant Pot to cook the sauce and koftas, resulting in a quick and easy dinner that still packs a flavorful punch.
Nutrition – Malai Kofta
Malai Kofta is a dish that is high in protein, thanks to the inclusion of paneer and potatoes. The tomato-based sauce is also a great source of antioxidants, while the use of spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander offer additional health benefits. Despite its rich and creamy flavor, this dish can still be enjoyed as part of a healthy and balanced diet, making it a popular choice for many families.
Step by Step Malai Kofta Recipe
Malai Kofta Recipe
Ingredients
For Kofta Balls
- 500 grams potatoes
- 100 grams paneer / cottage cheese
- 1 tbsp Red Chilli Powder
- 3 tbsp cornflour
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup cashew almonds and raisins
- oil
For Kofta Gravy
- 1 Onions
- ½ inch ginger
- 2 to Tomato
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 green chillies
- 5 cashew
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1 tbsp kasuri methi / dry fenugreek leaves
- 2 tbsp cream
- coriander leaves / cilantro
Instructions
Preparation
- Assemble all ingredients together to avoid last minute rush.
- Boil potatoes in a Pressure Cooker or in a Cookpot. Peel them and keep aside.
- Rinse and finely chop onion, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, coriander leaves and green chillies.
- Grate cottage cheese in a Plate with the help of a Grater.
- Roughly chop all nuts in a separate Bowl for stuffing in Kofta Balls.
Cooking
For Kofta Balls
- Mash boiled potatoes in a Mixing Bowl and add grated paneer, red chilli powder, salt and corn flour. Mix everything very well and make a soft dough.
- Now, make equal sized small balls from the dough, slightly flatten the ball and place 1 tsp of nuts stuffing in the center. Secure the ball tightly by closing all edges. It is very important to make crack free balls, so that it will not break while frying.
- Now, heat oil in a Kadai or Frying Pan over high flame. Once the oil is hot enough, reduce the flame to medium and transfer Kofta balls one by one in the hot oil. Do this process very slowly, keeping in mind that hot oil can splash.
- Fry them until crisp and golden brown. Keep them aside for further use.
- Alternatively, you can transfer all Kofta balls in an Airfryer Basket.
- Brush them with oil and cook for 10 minutes at 180°C - 185°C. Then, brush again with oil and cook further 7-8 minutes or until golden brown.
For Kofta Gravy
- Heat oil in a Cookpot or Pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion, ginger and garlic into it.
- Saute for 2 minutes or until onions soften and raw aroma of garlic goes away.
- Now, add chopped tomatoes, green chillies, cashews and salt. Cook till tomatoes soften, stir often with a Spatula.
- Once cooled down, blend the mixture with 1 cup water into a smooth paste in a Stand Blender. Optionally, you could sieve the Gravy before use for smoother curry.
- Transfer the gravy back to the Pan and add turmeric powder, red chilli powder and coriander powder. Let it cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- Now, add the prepared Kofta balls and kasuri methi. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes so that Kofta balls soak the masala and kasuri Methi release its flavor.
- Lastly garnish with cream and chopped coriander leaves.
- Malai Kofta is ready to serve!
Equipment Used for This Recipe
Notes & Tips
- For vegan option: Replace heavy cream with almond or cashew cream.
- Salt & Spices: Feel free to adjust spices and salt as per your taste preferences.
- Oil: Use any neutral tasting oil for this recipe. I used sunflower oil for frying and olive oil for making gravy.
- Substitute: If cottage cheese is not available, could use desiccated coconut instead.
- Red chilli powder: Choose degi Mirch or Kashmiri red chilli powder or paprika powder as they are less spicy and gives good red colour to the gravy. If you like spicy gravy, could choose cayenne powder.
- Ingredients & Equipment: Find these Ingredients & Equipment at specialty food stores or online stores. For review of some stores, please refer to the Grocery Review Section on our Website.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Malai Kofta Recipe
What is Malai Kofta?
Malai Kofta is a popular North Indian dish consisting of deep-fried dumplings made from a mixture of grated vegetables and cheese, which are then simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. It is typically served with rice or flatbreads, and is known for its smooth, velvety texture and luxurious flavor.
How do you make the kofta for Malai Kofta?
The kofta in Malai Kofta are made by combining grated vegetables, such as carrots or potatoes, with a mixture of spices, cheese, and flour. The mixture is then formed into small balls, which are deep-fried until golden brown. The kofta can also be grilled or baked if you prefer a healthier option.
What kind of cheese is used in Malai Kofta?
Paneer, a type of Indian cheese, is the most commonly used cheese in Malai Kofta. Paneer has a mild, creamy flavor and a firm texture that holds up well when fried or baked. Other types of cheese, such as ricotta or cottage cheese, can be used in a pinch, but they may affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
What is the sauce for Malai Kofta made of?
The sauce for Malai Kofta is typically made from a combination of tomatoes, cream, and a mixture of spices, such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The sauce is simmered until it is rich and creamy, and is then used to coat the kofta.
Can you make Malai Kofta gluten-free?
Yes, it is possible to make Malai Kofta gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour or a gluten-free binding agent, such as mashed potatoes or arrowroot powder, in place of the regular flour in the kofta mixture. The sauce can also be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free cream and ensuring that the spices used do not contain gluten.
Can Malai Kofta be made in a vegetarian or vegan version?
Yes, both vegetarian and vegan versions of Malai Kofta can be made by using non-dairy substitutes for the cheese and cream in the dish. For a vegetarian version, you can use tofu or cashews to make a creamy sauce, while for a vegan version, you can use coconut cream or a non-dairy milk.
What are some variations of Malai Kofta recipe?
There are many variations of Malai Kofta recipe, including a spicy version made with extra chili powder or cayenne pepper, a milder version made with less spice, and a version made with paneer or cheese-stuffed kofta. Another popular variation is a Malai Kofta curry made with green peas or other vegetables in the sauce.
See Also:
———————————————————————————————————
Foodcazt (www.foodcazt.com) is a Food Magazine. We help you discover food. Benefit from our Recipes, Reviews, Food Guides & Articles. We uncover trends, especially for Indian and Asian Cuisines. Please follow us to learn more. Uncover recipes. Learn about trends. Unearth unique restaurants. Find what moves you. Discover what inspires others. We uncover trends, especially for Indian Cuisine and Asian Cuisine.
It would mean the world to us, if you follow, like or subscribe on: YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
