Nadru Kofta Recipe: Comforting Kashmiri Delicacy
Introduction:
Nadru Kofta is a traditional Kashmiri dish that brings together the richness of Indian flavors with the comfort of home-cooked meals. This vegetarian delight features deep-fried koftas made from potatoes, apricots, and almonds, served in a fragrant gravy infused with aromatic spices. While it’s indulgent and high in calories, it’s the kind of dish you reserve for special occasions, making it a perfect treat to savor once a month. Let’s dive into the culinary journey of crafting this delectable dish that combines the essence of Kashmiri cuisine with the soul-satisfying warmth of homemade comfort food.
Recipe Details:
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 potatoes
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
- 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 – 1 cup cornflour
- 2 apricots, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup almonds, sliced
- 2 cups water
- 8-10 green cardamoms
- 8-10 cloves
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp fennel powder
- 1 cup yogurt
- 3 tbsp cream
- Oil for deep frying
- Fresh cilantro, khoya, and ginger for garnish
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the potatoes (peeled and mashed), cardamom powder, cilantro, garam masala, salt, and cornflour.
- Knead the mixture well using your palms. Wet your palms before kneading to facilitate better shaping.
- Form small round balls (koftas) from the mixture and flatten them slightly.
- Place a piece of apricot and a slice of almond in the center of each kofta.
- Roll the koftas in cornflour, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan and fry the koftas until they turn golden brown. Drain excess oil and set aside.
- For the gravy, heat oil in a separate pan and add cinnamon, cloves, green cardamoms, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add the masala powders (red chili, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and fennel) and sauté for another minute.
- Pour in water and add the chopped onion. Cook until the onions are soft.
- Reduce the heat and add yogurt to the gravy. Be sure to remove the pan from heat while adding yogurt to prevent curdling.
- Season the gravy with salt and strain to remove any lumps.
- Gently add the fried koftas to the gravy and simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.
- Stir in the cream for added richness and flavor.
- Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro, khoya, sliced almonds, and ginger.
- Serve the Nadru Kofta hot, preferably on a bed of fragrant rice, and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite.
Conclusion:
Nadru Kofta is not just a dish; it’s an experience that combines the essence of Kashmiri culinary traditions with the joy of savoring homemade comfort food. With its intricate flavors and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So, indulge in this indulgent treat once a month, and let the flavors of Kashmir elevate your dining experience to new heights.
