Raw Papaya Kofta in Yogurt Curry Recipe
This delicious Raw Papaya Kofta in Yogurt Curry is a delightful dish that is rich in flavor and texture, making it a perfect addition to your North Indian cuisine repertoire. The dish features koftas made from raw papaya, cabbage, and mashed potatoes, which are fried to perfection and served in a creamy yogurt-based curry. The tangy yogurt curry is spiced with garam masala, cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. Whether you serve it with Tawa Paratha, Lauki Raita, or Peas Pulao, this dish will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For Koftas:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw Papaya (grated) | 1 cup |
| Cabbage (chopped finely) | 1 cup |
| Potatoes (boiled) | 2 |
| Gram Flour (besan) | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Seeds (roasted) | 2 tablespoons |
For the Yogurt Curry:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Gram Flour (besan) | 1 tablespoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
For Tempering:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Curry Leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Ginger (chopped) | 1-inch piece |
| Garlic (chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Sunflower Oil | As required |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 4
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Koftas
- Begin by preparing the koftas. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated raw papaya, finely chopped cabbage, boiled and mashed potatoes, gram flour, cumin powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring they are well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into small balls (about the size of a ping-pong ball) and set them aside.
Step 2: Fry the Koftas
- Heat a Kuzi Paniyaram Pan (or a shallow frying pan) and add a little sunflower oil into each of the wells of the pan.
- Once the oil is hot, place the prepared koftas into the pan. Fry them until they form a golden, crispy crust on the outside.
- Use a spoon to gently turn the koftas to ensure they are evenly fried on all sides.
- Once golden and crisp, remove the koftas from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sunflower Seed Paste
- In a separate pan, add sunflower seeds and roast them on medium heat until they turn golden brown.
- Allow the roasted sunflower seeds to cool slightly, then grind them into a smooth paste using a small amount of water.
Step 4: Make the Yogurt Curry
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, gram flour, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, coriander powder, salt, and about 1/2 cup of water. Set this mixture aside.
- Heat oil in a kadai (wok) and add the mustard seeds, bay leaf, and curry leaves. Allow them to crackle and release their aroma.
- Add the chopped ginger and garlic to the pan, and sauté until they soften and become fragrant.
- Next, add the yogurt mixture to the pan, stirring continuously. Cook on medium heat, and keep stirring until the curry thickens to your desired consistency.
- Taste the curry and adjust the salt or spiciness if needed. You can also add a little more water if you prefer a thinner gravy.
Step 5: Combine the Koftas and Curry
- Once the curry has thickened, add the fried koftas to the pan. Gently stir to coat the koftas in the yogurt curry.
- Let the koftas simmer in the curry for about 5-7 minutes to absorb the flavors of the gravy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- To serve, transfer the koftas and yogurt curry to a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired.
- Enjoy your Raw Papaya Kofta in Yogurt Curry with Tawa Paratha, Lauki Raita, or Peas Pulao on the side.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
Tips and Variations:
- Koftas Texture: If the kofta mixture is too wet, you can add a little more gram flour to bind the ingredients better.
- Spicy Variation: For extra spice, increase the amount of red chili powder or add a few finely chopped green chilies.
- Vegan Version: Replace yogurt with plant-based yogurt and ensure the gram flour used is vegan-friendly for a dairy-free option.
- Serving Ideas: For an extra flavor twist, serve the koftas with a side of steamed rice or jeera rice for a fulfilling meal.
Enjoy this unique and flavorful dish that combines the freshness of raw papaya with the richness of yogurt curry. It’s perfect for a vegetarian lunch or dinner, offering a healthy and satisfying alternative to traditional meat dishes.
