Broccoli Malai Kofta Recipe: A Delicious and Nutritious Twist on a Classic
The Broccoli Malai Kofta is a delightful, wholesome dish that combines the nutritious goodness of broccoli with the rich texture of homemade paneer, making it the perfect option for anyone looking to indulge in a healthy yet flavorful side dish. This dish, steeped in the flavors of Lucknowi cuisine, offers a unique twist on the classic kofta recipe, making it an ideal choice for both regular meals and festive occasions. Furthermore, the dish is crafted without the use of onions or garlic, making it a perfect option for Sattvic diets, or anyone looking to enjoy a no-onion, no-garlic meal.
The soft, pillowy koftas are paired with a smooth, mildly spiced gravy that provides a luxurious finish, and with its blend of aromatic spices, this dish will surely impress.
Cuisine
- Lucknowi
Course
- Side Dish
Diet
- No Onion No Garlic (Sattvic)
Ingredients
For the Broccoli Koftas
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broccoli (grated) | 1 medium-sized |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 100 grams (crumbled) |
| Gram flour (besan) | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Gravy
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ginger (grated) | 1 inch |
| Homemade tomato puree | 2 cups |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cardamom powder (Elaichi) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Hung curd (Greek Yogurt) | ½ cup |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 tablespoon |
| Oil | For cooking |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time
- 40 minutes
Instructions
Making the Broccoli Koftas:
-
Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated broccoli, crumbled paneer, gram flour, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated. The mixture should be firm enough to form into small, bite-sized balls. If needed, adjust the consistency with a little extra gram flour.
-
Shape the Koftas: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, round balls, about the size of a golf ball. Set them aside on a plate.
Cooking the Koftas:
You can cook the koftas in one of two ways:
-
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Arrange the kofta balls on the tray, brush them with a bit of oil, and bake them for about 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them from the oven and set them aside.
-
Kuzhi Paniyaram Pan Method: Heat a Kuzhi Paniyaram pan and lightly grease the cavities. Place the kofta balls into the pan, drizzle with a little oil, and cook over medium heat. Flip the koftas occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. This method results in a nice, crunchy exterior while maintaining the softness of the koftas.
Preparing the Gravy:
-
Cook the Spices: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the grated ginger and sauté it for a minute until it releases its aroma. Add the honey and allow it to bubble for a few moments.
-
Simmer the Tomato Puree: Add the homemade tomato puree to the pan, followed by turmeric powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and red chilli powder. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the raw tomato taste to cook off.
-
Add Yogurt and Water: Stir in the hung yogurt (Greek yogurt) and 1 cup of water. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer, adding salt to taste. Allow it to cook for another 5 minutes.
Combine the Koftas and Gravy:
-
Add the Koftas to the Gravy: Gently add the cooked koftas into the simmering gravy. Stir carefully to coat the koftas in the sauce, and let them cook together for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the koftas absorb the flavors of the gravy.
-
Final Touch: Stir in the kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for added aroma and a burst of flavor. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Broccoli Malai Kofta hot, accompanied by freshly made phulkas (soft flatbreads) or a delicious Paneer Pulav. This dish is a perfect option for a weeknight dinner or a party dish when you have friends over. Its rich, creamy texture, combined with the nutritional punch of broccoli and paneer, makes it a true delight!
Enjoy the wholesome and flavorful Broccoli Malai Kofta and let your taste buds savor the beauty of Lucknowi cuisine in a health-conscious and delicious way.
