Oven-Baked Malai Kofta Delight
Indulge in a healthier twist on the classic Indian dish, Baked Malai Kofta Delight. This savory recipe features soft, tender koftas made from a delightful blend of paneer, veggies, and spices, all oven-baked to golden perfection. Paired with a rich and creamy tomato-based gravy, this dish offers a burst of flavor in every bite. Ideal for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, it's served best with warm naan or fragrant basmati rice. Discover the joy of cooking this wholesome dish with the step-by-step video guide available at showmethecurry.com.
6
Servings
200
Calories
22
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potato
1 large (boiled)
Paneer
8 ounces
Frozen Green Peas
1/3 cup
Carrot
1 (shredded)
Cilantro
5 sprigs (finely chopped)
Cashews or Golden Raisins
1/4 cup (roughly chopped)
Cooking Spray
Oil
2 tablespoons
Onions
3 medium (food processed or chopped finely)
Tomato Puree
2 cups
Ginger
1 tablespoon (minced)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
Salt
to taste
Sugar
to taste
Garam Masala
1 teaspoon
Coriander Powder
2 teaspoons (divided)
Cumin Powder
1 teaspoon (divided)
Chaat Masala
1/2 teaspoon
Turmeric Powder
1/4 teaspoon
Red Chili Powder
to taste
Evaporated Milk or Cream
5 ounces
Milk
as needed
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the gravy: Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and a pinch of salt. Sauté the onions until the moisture evaporates and they turn golden brown.
2
Add minced ginger and garlic to the pan, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3
Pour in the tomato puree, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and oil separates from it—this may take about 10-15 minutes.
4
Sprinkle in the turmeric, cumin, coriander, red chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well to blend the spices into the tomato mixture.
5
Stir in the evaporated milk, then slowly add milk until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with sugar and salt to taste.
6
Bring the gravy to a gentle boil, then turn off the heat and set aside.
7
For the koftas: In a microwave-safe bowl, add the frozen peas and shredded carrot. Sprinkle with 2-3 tablespoons of water, cover, and microwave for 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain and squeeze out excess water.
8
In a food processor, add the paneer and process until smooth. Incorporate the boiled potato and continue processing until a dough forms.
9
Transfer the mixture to a bowl, then fold in the cooked peas and carrots, chopped cilantro, cashews or golden raisins, salt, coriander powder, cumin powder, and chaat masala. Knead gently until well-combined.
10
Preheat your oven to broil. Line a baking tray with foil and lightly spray it with cooking oil.
11
Shape the kofta mixture into small balls, about the size of golf balls, and place them on the prepared baking tray. Lightly spray the tops with cooking oil.
12
Broil the koftas on high for about 5-7 minutes. Flip them over and broil the other side until golden brown.
13
Once roasted, remove the koftas from the oven allow to cool slightly, then arrange them in a casserole dish. Pour the prepared gravy over the koftas.
14
Garnish with the reserved cashews and raisins, cover the dish, and bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
15
Serve hot alongside naan or rice for an unforgettable meal.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
23g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oven-Baked Malai Kofta Delight?
It is a healthier version of the classic Indian dish featuring savory paneer and vegetable balls served in a creamy, tomato-based gravy.
Is this Malai Kofta recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian, utilizing paneer and various vegetables.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains 200 calories.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
Are the koftas fried in this recipe?
No, the koftas are broiled in the oven and then baked, making them a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version.
What are the main ingredients for the koftas?
The koftas consist of paneer, boiled potato, frozen green peas, shredded carrot, cilantro, and spices.
How do I prepare the vegetables for the koftas?
Microwave the frozen peas and shredded carrots with a little water until tender, then drain and squeeze out all excess moisture.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 9 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 7 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 23 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I make the gravy creamy?
The creaminess comes from a mixture of evaporated milk (or cream) and regular milk added to the tomato and onion base.
What spices are used in the gravy?
The gravy uses turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and garam masala.
How long should I broil the koftas?
Broil the koftas on high for about 5-7 minutes per side until they turn golden brown.
What temperature should the oven be for the final bake?
The final baking step occurs at 350°F (175°C).
How long is the final baking time?
The dish should be baked for 15-20 minutes after the gravy is added to the koftas.
Can I use raisins in this recipe?
Yes, you can use golden raisins or chopped cashews inside the koftas and as a garnish.
What should I serve with Malai Kofta?
It is best served with warm naan bread or fragrant basmati rice.
How do I prepare the paneer for this recipe?
The paneer should be processed in a food processor until smooth before mixing with the other ingredients.
How do I prepare the onions for the gravy?
The onions should be finely chopped or processed in a food processor, then sautéed until golden brown.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 22 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Sugar is added to the gravy to taste to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
How do I prevent the koftas from falling apart?
By squeezing out the excess water from the vegetables and using boiled potato and processed paneer as binders, the koftas will hold their shape.
What size should the koftas be?
The mixture should be shaped into small balls about the size of golf balls.
What kind of tomato base is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of tomato puree.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, the red chili powder can be adjusted to your personal taste preference.
What is the role of Chaat Masala?
Chaat Masala adds a unique tangy and savory flavor profile to the kofta mixture.
How do I know the gravy is ready?
The gravy base is ready when the tomato mixture thickens and the oil begins to separate from the sauce.
Can I use fresh ginger and garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon each of minced ginger and minced garlic.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
Yes, the casserole dish should be covered during the final 15-20 minute bake.
Where can I find a video tutorial for this?
A step-by-step video guide is available at showmethecurry.com.