Kheema Malai Kofta is a delectable dish that combines the flavors of spiced minced meat and soft, creamy dumplings in a rich and flavorful gravy. This dish is a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations in Indian cuisine. The kheema (minced meat) filling is made with a blend of lamb, beef, or chicken, along with aromatic spices, ginger, garlic, and herbs. The koftas (dumplings) are made with a mixture of mashed potatoes and paneer (Indian cottage cheese), which are then coated in a flavorful mixture of cornflour and chickpea flour before being deep-fried until golden brown. The koftas are then simmered in a creamy and mildly spiced gravy made with tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices. This dish is often garnished with cilantro and served with a side of rice or naan bread.
The article also includes a variation of the classic Kheema Malai Kofta, which features a unique stuffing made with a combination of minced meat, paneer, and vegetables such as carrots and peas. This variation offers a delightful twist on the traditional dish and caters to those who prefer a more wholesome and nutritious option.
Additionally, the article provides a simplified version of the recipe, known as "Easy Kheema Malai Kofta," which is designed for those who are short on time or prefer a less elaborate cooking process. This simplified version uses pre-made koftas, readily available in the market, and focuses on creating a flavorful gravy using a blend of spices, tomatoes, onions, and cream.
Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this article offers a range of Kheema Malai Kofta recipes to suit your preferences and skill level. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this exquisite dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.
MALAI KOFTA
These vegetarian kofta (balls) are made up of mashed potatoes that are stuffed with a rich paneer-nut-dried fruit filling, then fried and served in a velvety cashew and malai (heavy cream) sauce. Wildly popular with both adults and children, it's definitely something you make for a special occasion or a special person. A North Indian dish with roots in Mughlai cuisine, malai kofta is served in Punjabi restaurants all over the world. It goes wonderfully with naan or long-grain basmati rice.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 1h30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 26
Steps:
- For the kofta: Combine the mashed potatoes, cilantro, chiles, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Knead the mixture until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then set aside.
- Put the paneer in a food processor and pulse until crumbly. Add the nuts and dried fruit and pulse until the fruit is coarsely chopped and the nuts are broken into small pieces. (If the paneer is not salted, add a pinch of salt.) Transfer the paneer mixture to a small bowl.
- Form the mashed potato mixture into 8 equal balls. (A kitchen scale isn't necessary, but is helpful.) Form the paneer mixture into 8 equal balls. They don't have to be perfectly shaped, but it is much easier to stuff the potato balls when the paneer mixture has been squished into little balls.
- Hold a potato ball in the palm of your hand. Make an indentation with your thumb. Place a paneer ball into the concave hollow and push it in gently. Pinch the potato mixture around it and roll the potato ball in your palm to make a nice round shape. Repeat with the remaining potato and paneer balls. If the potato mixture is sticking to your hands and preventing you from rolling a smooth ball, dampen the palms of your hands with a little room-temperature water and continue rolling.
- Place the besan in a shallow bowl. Gently roll the stuffed balls in the besan. Transfer the coated balls to a plate, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate while you make the sauce. (It is easier to fry the balls when they have rested and are cold.)
- For the sauce: Meanwhile, stir together the garam masala, Kashmiri chili powder, coriander, turmeric and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl until combined. Set the spice mixture aside.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let sizzle until they darken slightly, about 30 seconds. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and just starting to get a hint of color, 8 to 10 minutes. (Do not brown them, as that will affect the color of the sauce.)
- Add the garlic, ginger and 1/2 teaspoon salt, mix well and cook, stirring often, until the raw smell goes away, about 2 minutes. Add the spice mixture and cook, stirring often, until the oil comes out, about 5 minutes.
- Drain the cashews and add to the saucepan, then add the tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Increase the heat to medium high and cook until the tomato mixture is thickened and pasty, about 7 minutes. Set aside and let cool.
- Meanwhile, fry the kofta. Fill a large Dutch oven halfway with vegetable oil, attach a deep-fry thermometer and heat over medium-high heat to 350 degrees F. Set a cooling rack over a baking sheet and place a paper towel over the rack. Carefully add half the balls, one at a time, and fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the balls to the prepared rack. Repeat with the remaining balls.
- Transfer the cooled sauce to a blender, add 1 cup water and process until smooth. Transfer the sauce back to the saucepan. Add the cream and kasoori methi if using and heat over medium heat until simmering. It should have the consistency of a smooth carrot soup; Add more water, if needed, and adjust the salt to taste.
- Gently add the fried kofta and heat, occasionally shaking the pan gently to coat the balls, until hot, about 3 minutes.
- For serving: Garnish with the garam masala and cilantro leaves.
MALAI KOFTA
Learn how to make malai kofta! This popular Indian recipe consists of delicious potato and cheese balls in a velvety tomato-based curry sauce. The air fryer lightens up the traditionally deep-fried dumplings, while the pressure cooker makes putting together the curry sauce effortless. -Soniya Saluja, The Belly Rules the Mind
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 55m
Yield 20 kofta (4 cups gravy).
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes or until tender; drain. Mash potatoes; cool to room temperature., Preheat air fryer to 375°. In a large bowl, stir together potatoes, paneer, cardamom and salt until combined. Spoon 2 tablespoons of potato mixture in lightly greased hands and flatten to 1/8-in. thick. Press a raisin and cashew in the center; bring sides up to enclose. Gently roll into a ball. Repeat with remaining potato mixture. Spritz fryer basket with cooking spray. Working in batches if needed, place balls in a single layer in basket lined with parchment. Cook until golden brown, 10-15 minutes., Meanwhile, for the gravy, in a 6-qt. electric pressure cooker, combine tomatoes, yogurt, water, cashews, ginger garlic paste and 1 teaspoon red chili powder. Lock lid; close pressure-release valve. Adjust to pressure-cook on high for 6 minutes. Quick-release pressure. Puree mixture using an immersion blender until smooth. Strain mixture, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible; discard solids. Wipe insert clean., Select saute setting and adjust for medium heat; add ghee. When ghee is hot, add garam masala and remaining 1 teaspoon red chili powder; cook, stirring constantly, until very fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Stir in strained tomato mixture and sugar. Simmer, uncovered, until mixture is slightly thickened, 5-8 minutes. Add fenugreek and, if desired, cream; cook 1 minute. Pour mixture over kofta.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 442 calories, Fat 26g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 386mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 16g protein.
Tips:
- To make the koftas more flavorful, use a combination of ground lamb and ground beef, or add chopped vegetables like onions, carrots, or bell peppers.
- If you don't have a food processor, you can grate the paneer on a box grater.
- Be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the paneer before adding it to the kofta mixture. This will help the koftas hold their shape.
- When frying the koftas, use a nonstick pan and make sure the oil is hot enough before adding them. This will help prevent them from sticking.
- To make the malai sauce, use full-fat milk and cream for the richest flavor.
- Add a pinch of garam masala to the malai sauce for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Serve the kheema malai koftas with naan, rice, or paratha for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
Kheema malai kofta is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The combination of spiced minced meat and paneer dumplings in a creamy sauce is sure to please everyone at the table. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make this dish at home. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting recipe to try, give kheema malai kofta a try. You won't be disappointed!
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