Creamy Malai Kofta is a classic Indian curry featuring paneer-and-potato dumplings served in a rich, creamy tomato gravy. This dish is perfect for a satisfying vegetarian dinner and is often paired with naan.
The traditional recipe utilizes a tomato-onion base enriched with cashews and cream, resulting in a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
What Makes Creamy Malai Kofta Special
Creamy Malai Kofta stands out as a beloved dish in Indian cuisine, celebrated for its rich flavors and comforting textures.
The combination of paneer and potatoes in the dumplings creates a satisfying bite, while the creamy tomato gravy envelops them in a luscious embrace.
This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth to the table, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients That Shine
The magic of Creamy Malai Kofta lies in its ingredients.
Fresh paneer provides a delightful creaminess, while boiled potatoes add a hearty element.
The gravy, made from pureed tomatoes and blended cashews, offers a unique balance of sweetness and richness, enhanced by the addition of cream.
Spices like garam masala and red chili powder contribute warmth and depth, making each bite a flavorful journey.
Preparation Techniques
Creating the perfect Creamy Malai Kofta involves a few key steps that ensure the dumplings are tender and the gravy is rich.
Start by mixing the paneer and potatoes with flour and spices to form small balls, which are then fried to a golden brown.
This frying process not only adds texture but also enhances the flavor of the kofta.
For the gravy, sautéing onions until golden and incorporating ginger-garlic paste adds a fragrant base, while simmering the tomato puree with cashews and cream creates a velvety sauce that perfectly complements the dumplings.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Malai Kofta is best enjoyed hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
Pair it with warm naan or steamed rice to soak up the delicious gravy.
The combination of the rich sauce and soft bread creates a delightful contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.
For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or raita to balance the richness of the dish.
Cooking Time and Portions
This dish is relatively quick to prepare, taking about 60 minutes from start to finish.
With a prep time of 20 minutes and cooking time of 40 minutes, it’s manageable even for those with a busy schedule.
One recipe yields four servings, making it ideal for family dinners or small gatherings.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, Creamy Malai Kofta is sure to impress.
Nutritional Benefits
Creamy Malai Kofta offers a satisfying meal option that is both filling and flavorful.
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, with a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
The use of paneer provides a source of protein, while the tomatoes and spices contribute essential vitamins and minerals.
Enjoy this dish as part of a balanced diet, and savor the delightful flavors it brings to your table.
Delicious Creamy Malai Kofta
This Creamy Malai Kofta recipe includes tender dumplings made from paneer and potatoes, simmered in a luscious gravy that combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the richness of cream and nuts. The dish takes about 60 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- For the Kofta:
- 1 cup paneer, grated
- 1 medium potato, boiled and mashed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
- For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 1/4 cup cashews, soaked and blended
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Kofta: In a bowl, combine grated paneer, mashed potato, all-purpose flour, garam masala, and salt. Mix well and form small balls.
- Fry the Kofta: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the kofta balls until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Gravy: In the same pan, add oil or ghee and sauté chopped onions until golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
- Add Tomato Puree: Stir in the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates. Add the blended cashews, cream, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Combine: Gently add the fried kofta to the gravy and simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with naan or rice.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g