24 May, 2023
MALAI KOFTA RECIPE | PANEER KOFTA CURRY
Malai kofta Recipe.
Malai Kofta, a beloved Indian dish, is a gastronomic delight cherished for its richness and flavors. This dish is a testament to the culinary finesse of Indian cuisine, combining a luscious, creamy (“Malai”) gravy with “Melt-In-The-Mouth” delectable fried dumplings known as “Koftas”. This dish holds a significant place on menus across Indian restaurants worldwide.
The popularity of Malai Kofta has transcended borders, influencing global cuisine and finding its place on menus worldwide, showcasing the diversity and richness of Indian gastronomy.
Ingredients Required for Malai Kofta
To create the perfect Malai Kofta, one needs a blend of specific ingredients. For the “Koftas”, a mix of Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese), Potatoes, Nuts, and aromatic Spices is utilized. The “Creamy Gravy” comprises Tomatoes, Onions, Cashews, Cream, and a medley of Spices that infuse depth into the dish.
(The Nuts can be omitted from the Kofta stuffing or gravy for those with allergies or preferences).
For Kofta Binding, we need three ingredients: Boiled Potato, Fresh Bread Crumbs and a little bit of Corn Flour. (Never add Corn Flour too much).
Compared to other Indian dishes, Malai Kofta stands out due to its unique combination of creamy texture and savory flavors, distinguishing it in the culinary landscape.
Malai Kofta is more about its rich , creamy texture rather than extreme spiciness. Its gravy should neither be too spicy nor too mild. However, the level of spices in gravy can be adjusted according to personal preferences.
Creamy character is very important in Malai Kofta and this creaminess comes from “Paneer” (cottage cheese).
Serving Suggestions
Malai Kofta pairs exquisitely with Naan, Rice, or Pulao, offering a delightful dining experience. The dish is often garnished with fresh Coriander Leaves and fresh Cream for a visually appealing presentation.
Malai Kofta in Contemporary Culinary Trends
In contemporary times, Malai Kofta has undergone creative interpretations, aligning with modern culinary trends, adapting to changing tastes while preserving its essence.
Misconceptions About Malai Kofta
There is a misconception that Malai Kofta is overly complex to prepare at home. However, with the right guidance and practice, home cooks can prepare it with ease.
Let’s get started with the recipe.
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Serves | Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-25 minutes | 25-30 minutes | 8 | Main |
INGREDIENTS: (For Malai Kofta Recipe)
| FOR KOFTA | FOR GRAVY/CURRY |
|---|---|
| 200 grams or 1 cup Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese), Grated | 2 tsp Ghee (Clarified Butter) |
| 2 Potatoes (Boiled & Mashed) | 2 tsp Oil |
| 50 grams Mawa (Optional) | 1 tsp Cumin Seeds (Jeera) |
| 4 tsp Bread Crumbs | 2 Onions |
| 1 tsp Corn Flour | 2 Green chillies |
| Salt To Taste | 1 tsp Coriander Powder |
| ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder | 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder |
| ½ tsp Red Chilli Powder | ¼ tsp Turmeric Powder |
| 1 tsp Coriander Powder | ¼ tsp Garam Masala |
| 1 tsp Ginger (Grated) | 1 tsp Ginger (Chopped) |
| ¼ cup Nuts & Dry Fruits (Chopped) | 3 Tomatoes (chopped) |
| Cardamom Powder | 10-12 Cashew Nuts |
| Oil for deep frying | 200 ml Water |
| ½ cup Fresh Cream | |
| ½ tsp Sugar | |
| Salt To Taste | |
| 1 tsp Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) |
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Making Kofta Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine grated or crumbled Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese), grated or mashed Boiled Potatoes, Mawa, Bread Crumbs, Corn Flour, Salt, Black Pepper Powder, Red Chilli Powder, Coriander Powder, and Ginger. (Mawa is Dried Evaporated Milk Solids. Adding Mawa is completely optional).
- Bread Crumbs and Corn Flour helps in binding.
- Mash and mix everything well until it forms a homogeneous mixture and a smooth dough-like consistency. Kofta balls should be soft and smooth.
- Take small portions of the Kofta dough, and make lemon sized small round balls.
2. Nuts and Dry Fruit Stuffing:
- Chop some Nuts and Dry Fruits like Almonds, Cashews, Pistachios and Raisins.
- Mix Cardamom Powder and Salt to the chopped Nuts and Dry Fruit.
- Stuffing of nuts and dry fruits is completely optional.
- For stuffing, press the kofta balls with your thumb towards the center to make a small cavity in kofta balls.
- Place the nuts and dry fruit mixture along with some grated paneer in the center.
- Shape them into round balls (Koftas) again and set aside.
- Prepare all the koftas similarly.
- Coat the balls in all purpose flour.
3. Frying the Koftas:
- Heat Oil in a kadhai (wok) for deep frying over medium heat.
- Once Oil is hot, gently place the Koftas into the Oil and fry until Koftas turn golden brown.
- Remove the fried koftas on an absorbent paper.
- Keep the fried Koftas aside.
4. Making Gravy:
- Heat Oil in a pan.
- Add Cumin Seeds and let them splutter.
- Cut Onions into big chunks and sauté until translucent. (Don’t overcook the onions. We don’t want onions brown as gravy will turn brown).
- Now add Green Chillies, Ginger, Coriander Powder, Turmeric Powder, Red Chilli Powder, and Garam Masala.
- Cook for a minute.
- Add Tomatoes and Cashew Nuts.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add water and bring it to a boil.
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Once everything is cooked, switch off the flame and let the mixture cool down at room temperature.
- Transfer this cooked mixture to a grinder jar and grind it to a fine purée.
- Strain the purée.
- Heat Ghee (Clarified Butter) in a pan.
- Pour the prepared purée into the pan.
- Cook it for 4-5 minutes or until the raw smell goes off.
- Lower the heat and add Fresh Cream or Malai, Kasuri Methi, Sugar, and Salt to the cooked gravy.
- Give it a nice stir and let it simmer for a few more minutes.
- Nice and silky smooth gravy is ready to use.
5. Assembling Malai Kofta Dish:
- Just before serving, gently reheat the gravy.
- Place the fried Koftas into the gravy and simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the Koftas to absorb the flavors.
- Coat the koftas gently with the gravy. Do not overcook.
- Garnish with Fresh Coriander Leaves and a drizzle of Cream, if desired.
- Serve hot with Naan, Chapati, or steamed Rice.
Enjoy the rich and flavorful Malai Kofta!
Tips for Making Perfect Malai Kofta
Achieving the perfect Malai kofta requires attention to detail. Ensure the Koftas retain their softness by not over mixing the ingredients and maintaining the right balance of spices in the gravy.
Add koftas to the gravy only before serving otherwise the koftas will absorb all the moisture from the gravy and turn soggy.