Malai Kofta Curry Recipe – Creamy and Healthy Paneer Aloo Kofta Curry
Malai Kofta is a beloved North Indian dish that combines the richness of creamy tomato gravy with perfectly cooked koftas made from mashed potatoes (Aloo) and crumbled paneer (homemade cottage cheese). This variation of the traditional Malai Kofta recipe is a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions, as the koftas are pan-fried, resulting in a lighter but equally delicious dish. The koftas are delicately spiced and stuffed with sweet sultana raisins, providing a wonderful balance of savory and sweet flavors, making it perfect for a festive lunch or dinner.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Malai Koftas
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo), boiled, peeled, and mashed | 3 medium-sized potatoes |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese), crumbled | 1 ½ cups |
| Garam masala powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Gram flour (besan) | 2 tablespoons |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, finely chopped | ¼ cup |
| Sultana Raisins | ½ cup (a handful for stuffing the koftas) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For cooking |
Ingredients for Gravy
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1-inch piece |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 large |
| Homemade tomato puree | 2 cups |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Garam masala powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | ½ teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | ½ teaspoon |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh cream | ¼ cup |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 tablespoon (for garnishing) |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Instructions
-
Prepare the Koftas:
- Begin by combining the mashed potatoes, crumbled paneer, garam masala powder, red chili powder, gram flour, chopped coriander leaves, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Shape the mixture into small lemon-sized balls. Flatten each ball slightly in your palm, and place a couple of sultana raisins in the center. Carefully seal the dough back into a ball, ensuring the raisins are enclosed inside.
- Set the prepared kofta balls aside while you heat the pan for cooking.
-
Cook the Koftas:
- You can cook the koftas in a Kuzhi Paniyaram Pan for a healthier option. Place the kofta balls into the cavities of the pan, drizzle with a little oil, and cook them until golden brown on all sides, flipping them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Alternatively, you can shallow fry them in a regular frying pan. Cook the koftas in batches if necessary, ensuring that they are evenly browned and cooked through. Once done, set aside.
-
Prepare the Gravy:
- Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped ginger, garlic, and onions. Sauté them for a few seconds until the onions soften and turn translucent.
- Stir in the homemade tomato puree, coriander powder, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cardamom powder, salt, and honey. Mix well and let the gravy come to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the curry simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the fresh cream and dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) to the gravy. Stir to incorporate the cream and herbs into the curry, which will give it a rich and creamy texture. Adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding a little water if needed. Check the salt and spice levels, adjusting to your taste preferences.
-
Assemble the Dish:
- Once the gravy is ready, gently add the warm kofta balls into the curry. Let them simmer in the gravy for a couple of minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Carefully stir the curry to avoid breaking the delicate koftas, and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
-
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Malai Kofta Curry with Tawa Parathas, Mixed Vegetable Pulao, or Mooli Raita for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
- For an extra festive touch, this dish can also be a great choice for an Indian dinner party menu, impressing your guests with its creamy texture and delightful flavors.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
Enjoy this creamy, healthy twist on a classic North Indian dish that brings the richness of paneer and potatoes together in a flavorful, spiced tomato gravy. The pan-fried koftas are light, soft, and melt in your mouth, while the gravy offers a rich, smooth texture that complements the koftas perfectly. This Malai Kofta Curry is not just delicious but also a healthier version, perfect for any occasion or a comforting meal at home.
