Chicken Kofta Curry Recipe
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch / Dinner
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Total Time: 55 Minutes
Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Cooking Time: 45 Minutes
Chicken Kofta Curry is a delicious and aromatic dish that blends the flavors of tender chicken meatballs (koftas) with a rich, spiced tomato gravy. It’s a comforting and hearty meal, perfect to serve alongside naan or rice. This dish is a wonderful representation of Indian cuisine, offering a delightful balance of spices and textures.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Koftas:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (minced) | 1 (medium-sized) |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | ½ teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh coriander leaves (chopped) | Small bunch |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Gravy:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 2-inch piece |
| Homemade tomato puree | 2 cups |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | ½ teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh cream | ½ cup |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish) | Small bunch |
| Sunflower oil | As needed |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken Kofta Mixture:
- Begin by finely mincing the chicken breasts using a food processor or a grinder until it is smooth and evenly minced.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced chicken with finely chopped garlic, onion, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
- Add freshly chopped coriander leaves for an aromatic flavor. Mix everything well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Shape the mixture into small round balls (koftas), about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Set aside.
-
Make the Kofta Curry Gravy:
- Heat oil (or ghee) in a deep pan or kadhai over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Add the homemade tomato puree to the pan and stir well to combine with the onions, ginger, and garlic.
- Add the spices: turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and salt. Stir the mixture, ensuring that the spices are well blended into the tomato puree.
- Once the gravy begins to thicken slightly, carefully add the chicken kofta balls to the pan. Ensure the koftas are submerged in the gravy. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan.
- Let the koftas simmer in the curry for about 5-6 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through. You can check the doneness by cutting one kofta in half. If it’s no longer pink inside, they’re ready.
- If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little water to reach the desired consistency.
-
Finish the Curry:
- Taste the curry and adjust the salt and spice levels as needed. If you prefer a slightly sweet touch to balance the heat, stir in the honey at this stage.
- Add the fresh cream to the curry and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Once the curry is ready, turn off the heat and transfer the Chicken Kofta Curry into a serving bowl.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with Garlic Naan, Palak Paneer, or Dal Makhani for a complete and satisfying Indian meal.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor: You can use a mix of ghee and sunflower oil for frying the koftas.
- Vegetarian version: For a vegetarian take, substitute the minced chicken with finely chopped vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and paneer.
- Adjusting consistency: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can blend a portion of the cooked gravy with a hand blender and return it to the pan.
- Add some nuts: Garnish with cashews or almonds for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Sugar | 6g |
Chicken Kofta Curry is a flavorful, aromatic dish that combines the best of Indian spices and tender chicken meatballs. The rich tomato-based gravy, the slight sweetness from honey, and the creaminess from the fresh cream make this dish a comforting meal, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it with a side of warm naan or steamed rice for a fulfilling experience!
