Chicken Kofta Curry Recipe: A Flavorful Indian Delight
Description:
Indulge in the richness of Chicken Kofta Curry, a mouthwatering Indian dish that brings together tender chicken kofta balls simmered in a velvety tomato makhani gravy. With a balance of aromatic spices and fresh herbs, this one-pot wonder is the perfect choice for your next lunch or dinner. The dish offers a unique blend of textures and flavors, where the homemade tomato gravy pairs wonderfully with the juicy chicken koftas. What sets this recipe apart is the slow-sautéing of onions, tomatoes, and a variety of spices, infusing the curry with an unforgettable taste. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this Chicken Kofta Curry will have everyone asking for seconds.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Kofta:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (minced) | 1 piece |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 small |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | ½ teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh coriander leaves (chopped) | Small bunch |
For the Kofta Curry Gravy:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 2 inches |
| Homemade tomato puree | 2 cups |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | ½ teaspoon |
| Red Chilli 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 (chopped) | Small bunch |
| Oil (or ghee) | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4-5
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Koftas
- Begin by mincing the chicken breasts in a food processor or a mixer grinder until smooth. This will give you the perfect texture for the koftas.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced chicken with finely chopped garlic, onion, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
- Add a small bunch of fresh coriander leaves and mix everything thoroughly to form a uniform mixture.
- Wet your hands slightly and shape the mixture into small, round balls (about the size of a golf ball). Set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Kofta Curry Gravy
- Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan or pot over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions turn soft and golden brown.
- Add the homemade tomato puree to the pan, followed by turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, coriander powder, and salt to taste. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the gravy.
Step 3: Add the Koftas and Simmer
- Gently drop the prepared chicken kofta balls into the simmering curry gravy. Stir carefully to ensure the koftas are well coated with the gravy.
- Cover the pan and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, allowing the koftas to cook through. To check for doneness, cut one kofta in half – it should be fully cooked inside.
- If the curry appears too thick, you can add a small amount of water to adjust the consistency to your liking.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
- Taste the curry and adjust the salt or spices as needed.
- Stir in the fresh cream and honey, allowing the curry to simmer for another 2-3 minutes. The cream will add richness to the sauce, while the honey will balance the heat and enhance the flavor.
- Finally, garnish the Chicken Kofta Curry with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the delicious Chicken Kofta Curry hot with naan bread or steamed rice.
- For a complete Indian meal, pair it with Garlic Naan, Palak Paneer, and Dal Makhani.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 26g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Sugar | 5g |
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Kofta Curry:
- Kofta Texture: For soft and tender koftas, avoid over-mixing the chicken mixture. Just combine the ingredients until they’re evenly distributed.
- Adjusting Consistency: If the gravy thickens too much during cooking, add a little water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Flavor Variations: You can add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) towards the end for a slightly tangy and aromatic touch.
- Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, try using paneer or mashed potatoes instead of chicken for the kofta mixture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavorful and aromatic: The blend of spices in the gravy and the koftas brings an explosion of flavors with every bite.
- Easy-to-make: Despite being a rich and hearty dish, the recipe is straightforward and uses everyday ingredients.
- One-pot meal: The simplicity of cooking everything in one pot makes it an ideal recipe for a busy day or a special dinner gathering.
Give this Chicken Kofta Curry a try for a wholesome and indulgent meal that will transport your taste buds straight to India!
