Delicious North Indian dish Malai Kofta - how to prepare

 

Here's a basic recipe for preparing Malai Kofta, a popular North Indian dish made with fried vegetable or paneer (Indian cottage cheese) balls in a rich tomato-based gravy:

**Ingredients:**

For the Koftas:

- 200g paneer (cottage cheese), grated

- 2 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed

- 2 tablespoons cornflour or all-purpose flour

- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

- Salt to taste

- Oil for frying

For the Gravy:

- 2 cups tomato puree (from about 4-5 tomatoes)

- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

- 1/4 cup cashew nuts, soaked in warm water

- 1/4 cup heavy cream

- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon garam masala

- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee (clarified butter)

- Salt to taste

- 2 tablespoons oil

**Instructions:**

**For the Koftas:**

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated paneer, mashed potatoes, cornflour or all-purpose flour, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to form a dough.

2. Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into round or oval koftas (balls). You can stuff these with a small piece of cashew nut or a raisin if you like.

3. Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Once the oil is hot, gently slide the koftas into it and fry until they turn golden brown. Remove them and place on paper towels to remove excess oil.

**For the Gravy:**

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a separate pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

2. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.

3. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.

4. Add tomato puree, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook this mixture until the oil starts to separate from the tomatoes, stirring occasionally.

5. Blend the soaked cashew nuts into a smooth paste and add it to the tomato mixture. Cook for a few more minutes.

6. Stir in the heavy cream and garam masala. Cook for a couple of minutes more until the gravy thickens.

7. Finally, add butter or ghee and mix well.

**Assembling:**

1. Just before serving, place the koftas in the serving dish and pour the hot gravy over them.

2. Garnish with fresh cream, chopped coriander leaves, and a few chopped cashew nuts.

3. Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.

Enjoy your homemade Malai Kofta!