A rich and creamy North Indian dish made with deep-fried dumplings (koftas) and a flavorful tomato-onion gravy.

Malai Kofta recipe
Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
1hr

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 kofta with gravy)

Gravy

  • oil
    oil
    1tbsp
  • green cardamoms
    green cardamoms
    3piece
  • cinnamon
    cinnamon
    1/2in
  • cloves
    cloves
    3clove
  • cubed onions
    cubed onions
    1cup
  • chopped tomatoes
    chopped tomatoes
    1 1/2cup
  • cashews
    cashews
    15piece
  • water
    water
    1/2cup
  • oil or butter
    oil or butter
    2tbsp
  • bay leaf
    bay leaf
    1piece
  • ginger garlic paste
    ginger garlic paste
    1 1/2tsp
  • red chili powder
    red chili powder
    1tsp
  • garam masala
    garam masala
    1 1/4tsp
  • coriander powder
    coriander powder
    1tsp
  • salt
    salt
    1tsp
  • sugar
    sugar
    3/4tsp
  • kasuri methi
    kasuri methi
    1tsp

Kofta

  • crumbled potatoes
    crumbled potatoes
    1cup
  • crumbled paneer
    crumbled paneer
    1cup
  • cornstarch
    cornstarch
    2 1/2tbsp
  • ginger paste
    ginger paste
    1tsp
  • garam masala
    garam masala
    3/4tsp
  • green chili
    green chili
    2piece
  • chopped coriander leaves
    chopped coriander leaves
    2tbsp
  • salt
    salt
    1/2tsp
  • chopped cashews
    chopped cashews
    1tbsp
  • oil for frying
    oil for frying
    1tbsp

How to make Malai Kofta

Making the Gravy

  1. Step 1

    Heat a pan with oil. Add green cardamoms, cinnamon, cloves, and cubed onions. Sauté until the onions turn light golden.

  2. Step 2

    Add chopped tomatoes and cashews. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Pour in water and cook covered until everything is soft.

  4. Step 4

    Cool completely and transfer to a blender. Blend until smooth.

  5. Step 5

    In a pan, heat oil or butter. Add a bay leaf.

  6. Step 6

    When it sizzles, add ginger garlic paste and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds.

  7. Step 7

    Turn down the flame and quickly stir in red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, salt, and sugar.

  8. Step 8

    Pour in the tomato-onion puree carefully. Mix everything well and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.

  9. Step 9

    Pour in water and mix well. Add kasuri methi and give a good mix.

Making the Kofta

  1. Step 1

    In a bowl, combine crumbled potatoes, crumbled paneer, cornstarch, ginger paste, garam masala, chopped green chili, chopped coriander leaves, salt, and chopped cashews.

  2. Step 2

    Mix the ingredients and form smooth balls.

  3. Step 3

    Heat oil in a deep frying pan and fry the koftas until golden and crisp.

Assembling Malai Kofta

  1. Step 1

    Transfer the cooled malai gravy to a deep dish.

  2. Step 2

    Just before serving, place the koftas in the gravy to keep them crispy.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

327.5kcal (16.38%)

Protein

9.0g (18%)

Carbs

26.3g (9.55%)

Sugars

2.0g (4%)

Healthy Fat

18.8g

Unhealthy Fat

3.8g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the koftas are fried just before serving to maintain their crispiness.

  2. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.

FAQS

  1. How can I make Malai Kofta vegan or dairy-free?

    To make Malai Kofta vegan, you can substitute paneer with tofu or a vegan cheese alternative. For the creamy gravy, replace dairy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Ensure that the other ingredients, like the oil used for frying, are also plant-based.

  2. What are some good side dishes to serve with Malai Kofta?

    Malai Kofta pairs wonderfully with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice. You can also serve it with a side of cucumber raita or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.

  3. How should I store leftover Malai Kofta?

    Store leftover Malai Kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the koftas' crispiness, store them separately from the gravy and reheat them in an oven or air fryer before serving.

  4. Can I use different vegetables in the kofta mixture for Malai Kofta?

    Absolutely! You can substitute crumbled potatoes and paneer with other vegetables like grated carrots, zucchini, or even cooked lentils. Just ensure that the mixture holds together well by adjusting the cornstarch as needed.

  5. What is the cooking process for making Malai Kofta from scratch?

    To make Malai Kofta, start by preparing the tomato-onion gravy by sautéing spices and blending them into a smooth puree. For the koftas, mix crumbled potatoes, paneer, and spices, then form them into balls and deep fry until golden. Finally, combine the koftas with the gravy just before serving to keep them crispy.

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