Classic Malai Kofta Curry: A Creamy Delight for Your Lunch Table
Malai Kofta Curry stands as a quintessential North Indian dish, celebrated for its rich and indulgent flavors. This creamy curry, paired with soft, fried koftas, makes for an exquisite lunch that can be easily prepared at home. Traditionally enjoyed with roti or fragrant jeera rice, it combines the goodness of paneer, potatoes, and a luscious gravy topped with fresh cream.
Ingredients for Malai Kofta Curry
To recreate this classic recipe, gather the following ingredients, which blend to create a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.
For the Koftas:
- 3 medium boiled potatoes, mashed
- 1/2 cup paneer, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornflour
- 2 tablespoons cashew nuts, chopped
- 1 tablespoon raisins
- 1 green chilli, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- Oil for deep frying
For the Curry:
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup tomato puree
- 10–12 cashew nuts, soaked and ground into a paste
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ cup fresh cream
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
- 2 tablespoons fresh cream for garnish
- 2 tablespoons coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Follow these detailed steps to ensure your Malai Kofta Curry turns out perfectly creamy and flavorful, with koftas that are crisp on the outside and soft within.
Step 1: Prepare the Kofta Mixture
Begin by combining the mashed potatoes, grated paneer, cornflour, finely chopped green chilli, and salt in a deep mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, forming a smooth and cohesive dough-like mixture.
Step 2: Shape the Koftas
Take a small portion of the mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a few pieces of chopped cashew nuts and raisins in the center, then carefully shape it into a smooth, round ball. Ensure the stuffing is securely enclosed to prevent it from leaking during frying. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture.
Step 3: Fry the Koftas
Heat oil in a kadhai or deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently slide in the prepared koftas. Fry them until they turn crisp and achieve a golden-brown color, turning occasionally for even cooking. Remove the koftas with a slotted spoon and set them aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Start the Curry Base
In the same kadhai, heat the oil and butter together. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they become golden brown and fragrant. This step is crucial for building a rich base flavor.
Step 5: Add Aromatics
Next, incorporate the ginger-garlic paste into the sautéed onions. Cook for a minute or two until the raw smell disappears and the mixture becomes aromatic, enhancing the depth of the curry.
Step 6: Cook the Tomato Puree and Spices
Pour in the tomato puree and cook the mixture until the oil begins to separate from the sides, indicating that the tomatoes are well-cooked. Then, add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well to combine the spices evenly.
Step 7: Incorporate Cashew Paste and Simmer
Add the ground cashew paste to the curry and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Gradually add water as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Let the curry simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Final Assembly and Garnish
Gently place the fried koftas into the simmering curry. Allow them to soak in the flavors for a minute or two without stirring too vigorously to keep the koftas intact. Finally, garnish the curry with a drizzle of fresh cream and a generous sprinkle of chopped coriander leaves.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Malai Kofta Curry hot, accompanied by soft rotis or fluffy jeera rice. The creamy texture and subtle sweetness from the raisins and cashews make this dish a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a hearty lunch or special occasion.
This recipe offers a delightful way to bring restaurant-style Malai Kofta Curry to your home kitchen, ensuring a satisfying and flavorful meal that will leave everyone craving more.
