Creamy Malai Kofta Delight
Creamy Malai Kofta Delight is an exquisite North Indian dish that features rich, golden-fried potato and cheese balls known as koftas, nestled in a luscious tomato gravy. The careful blending of spices, combined with the crunch of cashews and a hint of sweetness from raisins, makes this dish an indulgent treat for special occasions or a comforting family meal. Though it requires a bit of time and effort to prepare, the succulent flavors and delightful textures are worth every minute spent in the kitchen. Perfectly paired with naan or steamed rice, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
25
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
1 1/2 lbs (Boiled and mashed)
Ricotta Cheese
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Heavy Cream
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Cashews
4-5 (Chopped)
Raisins
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Green Chilies
2-3 (Finely chopped)
Sugar
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Coriander Powder
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Cumin Powder
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Chili Powder
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Cardamom Powder
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
To taste (N/A)
Cooking Oil
3 tablespoons (For frying the onion paste)
Oil (for frying koftas)
As needed (For deep frying)
Onions
2 medium (Chopped)
Garlic
3 cloves (Crushed)
Ginger
1 inch (Crushed)
Tomatoes
3 large (Pureed)
Chili Powder (for gravy)
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Garam Masala Powder
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Coriander Powder (for gravy)
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Cumin Powder (for gravy)
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Powdered Poppy Seeds
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Sugar (for gravy)
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Ground Peanuts or Cashews
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by boiling the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly.
2
Peel the boiled potatoes and mash them in a large mixing bowl. Season with salt to taste and set aside.
3
In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, heavy cream, chopped cashews, raisins, finely chopped green chilies, sugar, coriander powder, cumin powder, chili powder, cardamom powder, and one tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix until well combined.
4
Take a portion of the potato mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a small amount of the prepared filling in the center, then fold the potato around the filling to create a round kofta. Ensure that it is sealed completely to prevent breaking during frying. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
5
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the koftas and fry until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove and drain on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Set aside.
6
In a blender, combine the chopped onions, crushed garlic, crushed ginger, and powdered poppy seeds. Blend into a coarse paste.
7
In a large pan, heat 3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the onion paste and sauté until golden brown and the oil starts to separate, about 8-10 minutes.
8
Stir in the pureed tomatoes, along with chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, sugar, and ground peanuts. Cook until the gravy thickens, adding a splash of water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
9
Once the gravy is bubbling and has thickened, gently add the fried koftas. Allow to heat through for a couple of minutes, being careful not to overcook or break the koftas.
10
Serve hot with a drizzle of cream on top, paired with naan or rice for a perfect meal. Remember, add koftas to the gravy just before serving to keep them crispy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Malai Kofta Delight?
Creamy Malai Kofta Delight is an exquisite North Indian dish featuring golden-fried potato and cheese balls, known as koftas, served in a rich tomato gravy.
What are the main ingredients for the koftas?
The koftas are primarily made from boiled mashed potatoes and a filling of ricotta cheese, heavy cream, cashews, and raisins.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires a total of 25 ingredients including various spices, vegetables, and dairy products.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
Potatoes should be boiled in salted water for about 15-20 minutes until they are tender.
What cheese is used in the kofta filling?
The recipe uses two tablespoons of ricotta cheese for the kofta filling.
What nuts are included in the kofta filling?
Chopped cashews are added to the filling for a pleasant crunch.
How do I prevent the koftas from breaking while frying?
Ensure the potato mixture is folded completely around the filling and sealed well, and use one tablespoon of cornstarch in the filling mixture.
What spices are used in the kofta filling?
The filling is seasoned with coriander powder, cumin powder, chili powder, and cardamom powder.
How should I cook the koftas?
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat and fry the koftas until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
What is in the onion paste for the gravy?
The paste consists of chopped onions, crushed garlic, crushed ginger, and powdered poppy seeds blended together.
How long should the onion paste be sautéed?
Sauté the onion paste for about 8-10 minutes until it turns golden brown and the oil begins to separate.
What form of tomatoes is used in the gravy?
The recipe calls for three large tomatoes that have been pureed.
What thickens the Malai Kofta gravy?
The gravy is thickened using pureed tomatoes, ground peanuts or cashews, and powdered poppy seeds.
When should I add the koftas to the gravy?
Add the fried koftas to the gravy just before serving to ensure they remain crispy and do not break apart.
What spices are specifically used for the gravy?
The gravy uses chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, and sugar.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Yes, sugar is used in both the kofta filling (1/4 teaspoon) and the gravy (1/2 teaspoon) to balance the flavors.
What is a recommended side dish for Malai Kofta?
This dish is perfectly paired with naan bread or steamed rice.
How do I garnish the final dish?
Serve the dish hot with a drizzle of heavy cream on top for added richness.
Can I use ginger-garlic paste instead of fresh?
The recipe specifies using crushed garlic cloves and crushed fresh ginger, which are blended into the onion paste.
What type of oil is used for the gravy?
Three tablespoons of cooking oil are used to sauté the onion paste for the gravy.
How many potatoes are needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 lbs of potatoes.
What role do poppy seeds play?
Powdered poppy seeds are blended into the onion paste to add thickness and a unique nutty flavor to the base.
Does the recipe use green chilies?
Yes, 2-3 finely chopped green chilies are added to the kofta filling for heat.
How much heavy cream is used?
Two tablespoons of heavy cream are used in the kofta filling, plus extra for drizzling on top.
What gives the gravy its signature North Indian flavor?
The combination of garam masala, coriander, cumin, and the rich onion-tomato base provides the authentic flavor.
Are the raisins cooked before being added?
No, one tablespoon of raisins is mixed directly into the kofta filling mixture.
What should the consistency of the onion paste be?
The onions, garlic, ginger, and poppy seeds should be blended into a coarse paste.
How do I know when the gravy is ready?
The gravy is ready once it has bubbled and thickened to your desired consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for a family meal?
Yes, it is described as a comforting family meal and an indulgent treat for special occasions.
How do I prepare the garlic and ginger?
The garlic should be crushed (3 cloves) and the ginger should be crushed (1 inch) before blending.