How to Make Malai Kofta – Easy Recipe

on

 

Malai Kofta Recipe – A Creamy Delight from North India

When you want to eat Malai Kofta, you should choose a rich and creamy dish that will satisfy you completely. The traditional North Indian vegetarian dish consists of soft paneer-potato balls (koftas) cooked in a smooth tomato-cream sauce with mild spices. Malai Kofta is a perfect choice for special events, family meals, and great home dining occasions.

Novice Indian cooks and experienced chefs who want restaurant-quality results will find success with this step-by-step Malai Kofta recipe.

malai kofta

What is Malai Kofta?

The Hindi word malai means "cream," and kofta means deep-fried dumplings or balls filled with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) along with potatoes and spices. The combination of golden koftas with a smooth tomato gravy is rich in flavor but moderate in spiciness.

Restaurants around the world serve malai kofta with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

Ingredients for Malai Kofta

For the Kofta:

  • 1 cup paneer (grated)

  • 2 medium potatoes (boiled & mashed)

  • 2 tablespoons cornflour or all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons cashews or raisins (optional, for stuffing)

  • Salt to taste

  • ½ teaspoon garam masala

  • Oil for deep frying or shallow frying

    banner

For the Malai Gravy:

  • 2 tablespoons oil or butter

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 onion (finely chopped)

  • 2 large tomatoes (pureed)

  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

  • 10-12 cashews (soaked)

  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder

  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder

  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

  • ½ teaspoon garam masala

  • ½ cup fresh cream

  • Salt to taste

  • Water as needed

 How to Make Malai Kofta (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Kofta Balls

  •  In a mixing bowl, combine the grated paneer, mashed potatoes, salt, garam masala, and cornflour.
  •  Mix well and divide into equal portions.
  • (Optional) Put 1 or 2 cashews or raisins inside each ball for a great surprise.
  • Form the mixture into circular balls of uniform size.
  • Heat oil in a pan and deep-fry or shallow-fry the koftas till they turn golden brown. Set aside on paper towels.

Step 2: Make the Malai Gravy

  • Heat oil or butter in a pan. Add bay leaves.
  • Add chopped onions and sauté till golden.
  • Add ginger-garlic paste and cook till the raw smell goes away.
  • Add tomato puree and cook for 5-6 minutes till the oil separates.
  • Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
  • Mix soaked cashews with some water to make a smooth paste. Add this to the gravy and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add cream and some water to make the desired gravy.
  • Sprinkle garam masala and mix. 

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

  • Just before serving, place the koftas in a serving dish.
  • Pour the hot creamy gravy over them.
  • Serve hot with naan, parathas, or basmati rice.
  • Serve this dish hot, accompanied by naan or parathas, or basmati rice.


Cooking Tips

  • Avoid adding kofta to the gravy before cooking time because it causes them to become soggy.
  • You can use the koftas as a healthier option by air-frying or baking them.
  • Want a nut-free version? Use poppy seeds or melon seeds instead of cashews.
  • The recipe can become vegan by replacing paneer with tofu and dairy cream with coconut cream.
    • banner

Final Thoughts

Home-cooked Malai Kofta turns out to be a delightful dish that can be prepared with the right ingredients. This dish offers both comforting flavours and creamy texture with delicious results. This dish is perfect for both relaxing at home and hosting guests.

Experience the royal Indian meal at home by making this Malai Kofta dish today.

Location: India

Comments

Post a Comment