Malai Kofta - A dish for formal occasions and celebrations

Malai kofta is an Indian dish made of dumplings bathed in a flavorful sauce. It is an excellent vegetarian dish. The dumplings and sauce are prepared separately and only combined as the dish is being served.


Main Ingredients:

Ø     Potato

Ø     Paneer

Ingredients for Kofta:

Ø     Boiled mash potatoes  -------  1 cup

Ø     Mash paneer  --------  1 cup

Ø     Cilantro  ----------  2 tbs

Ø     Cumin seed  --------  1/2 tsp

Ø     salt  ----------  1/4 teaspoon

Ø     1 small finally chopped green chili

Ingredients for Gravy:

Ø     Oil  -----------------   2 tbs

Ø     Cumin seed  ------------   1 tsp

Ø     Tomatoes  -----------    2 medium

Ø     Onion ----------- 1 medium

Ø     Garlic  ---------- 3-4 cloves

Ø     Ginger  ------------   1 tablespoon

Ø     Coriander powder  ---------- 1 tbs

Ø     Turmeric  -----------   1/2 tsp

Ø     Red chili powder  -----------  1/4 tsp

Ø     All purpose flour  ----------  1 tsp

Ø     Cream or milk  -----------  1/4 cup

Ø     Salt (adjust to taste)

Ø     Garam masala  -------------  1/4 tsp

For Batter:

Ø     All purpose flour  ---------  2 tbs

Ø     Water  ----------  4 tbs

SeasoningCilantro  -------   2 tbs

Method:
1 ) Kofta

1.     Mix all the ingredients together in bowl.

2.    With oiled hands, divide the mixture into 14 to 16 equal parts and make them in round balls.

3.    Mix flour with about 4 tablespoons of water and mix well until batter is smooth.

4.    Now Dip the paneer balls in the batter one at a time and slowly drop into the frying pan.

5.    Turn them occasionally. Fry koftas until golden-brown all around.

2) Gravy:

1.     Blend the tomatoes, onion, garlic and ginger to make a puree.

2.    Mix cream and flour and keep aside.

3.    Heat the oil in a pan.

4.    Add the Cumin seeds.

5.    Add the blended puree, and cook for about 10 minutes on medium heat.

6.    Mixture will start leaving the oil and will reduce to about half in quantity now add coriander powder, turmeric, red chili powder and cook for about 5 min.

7.    Add milk and flour mix, salt and one cup of water and let it cook covered for 7 to 8 minutes on medium heat.

8.    Add the garam masala, salt and cilantro. Let it cook for another minute.

9.    When gravy comes to boil cover it for another 3-4 min. and then turn off the heat.

Note: Koftas are very soft they should be added to the gravy when you are ready to serve, otherwise koftas will break.