The Ultimate Malai Kofta Recipe: A Creamy, Comforting Dish

Malai Kofta is a rich and indulgent North Indian dish that is loved by many for its creamy texture and flavorful taste. It consists of deep-fried balls (koftas) made from mashed vegetables, paneer (Indian cottage cheese), or a combination of both, which are then dunked in a silky, spiced tomato-based gravy. The dish is often served with naan, roti, or steamed rice, making it a favorite at both everyday meals and festive occasions. In this blog, we’ll walk you through an easy and delicious Malai Kofta recipe that will bring this restaurant-style dish to your kitchen.

What is Malai Kofta?

Malai Kofta is a traditional Indian dish that features koftas made from mashed potatoes, paneer, and sometimes grated carrots or other vegetables, which are then deep-fried to golden perfection. These koftas are served in a creamy, mildly spiced gravy made from tomatoes, onions, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices. The combination of the soft, melt-in-your-mouth koftas and the rich, velvety gravy makes this dish truly special.

Typically enjoyed at celebrations or during special dinners, Malai Kofta offers a comforting blend of textures and flavors, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

Classic Malai Kofta Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Koftas:

• 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 100g paneer (cottage cheese), grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup raisins or cashews, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Oil for deep frying

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Koftas:

• In a large bowl, combine the boiled and mashed potatoes, grated paneer, cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garam masala, and a pinch of salt. If you’re using raisins or cashews, add them to the mixture for added texture and sweetness.
• Mix everything together until the dough is smooth and sticky. If the mixture is too soft, you can add a little more flour or cornstarch to help bind it.
• Shape the mixture into small balls (about the size of a golf ball). Be gentle when forming the koftas to ensure they stay intact while frying.

2. Fry the Koftas:

• Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently drop the koftas into the oil, a few at a time. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crisp on all sides.
• Remove the koftas and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

3. Prepare the Gravy:

• In a separate pan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
• Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and golden brown.
• Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add the pureed tomatoes, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and chili powder. Cook the mixture until the oil begins to separate from the masala, around 5-7 minutes.
• Add a cup of water (adjust to your preferred gravy consistency) and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Stir in the cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary.

4. Assemble the Dish:

• Once the gravy is ready, gently add the fried koftas to the gravy. Allow them to soak in the gravy for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

Tips for Perfect Malai Kofta:

• Avoid Over-frying: Be careful not to over-fry the koftas. They should be golden brown on the outside but remain soft and moist on the inside.
• Gravy Consistency: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a tablespoon of cashew paste or almond paste to the sauce for extra richness.
• Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables like grated carrots, peas, or spinach to the kofta mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

Variations of Malai Kofta

1. Vegan Malai Kofta:

• For a vegan version of Malai Kofta, simply replace the paneer with crumbled tofu or mashed vegetables, and use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy cream in the gravy. The rest of the recipe stays the same!

2. Spicy Malai Kofta:

• If you love spice, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add finely chopped green chilies to the kofta mixture or the gravy. Adjust the spice level according to your taste.

3. Malai Kofta with Methi:

• Add finely chopped fenugreek (methi) leaves to the kofta mixture for a slightly bitter, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich gravy.

Conclusion

Making Malai Kofta at home may seem like an indulgent treat, but with the right ingredients and a little patience, it’s totally achievable. This dish offers the perfect combination of creamy gravy and flavorful koftas, making it an ideal choice for any special occasion or when you just want to treat yourself to something delicious. So, gather your ingredients and try this recipe today—your taste buds will thank you!

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