Sweet & Spicy Stuffed Paneer In Kofta Curry
Embark on a delightful culinary journey with this Sweet & Spicy Stuffed Paneer In Kofta Curry, a North Indian delicacy that brings together the rich flavors of paneer and a variety of spices, perfectly suited for an exquisite dinner with family and friends. The unique preparation combines soft, stuffed paneer koftas in a creamy, aromatic curry that pairs beautifully with naan, pulao, or raita.
Recipe Overview
| Recipe Name | Sweet & Spicy Stuffed Paneer In Kofta Curry |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | North Indian Recipes |
| Course | Dinner |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
Ingredients
The harmony of textures and flavors in this dish is derived from the following ingredients, meticulously combined to achieve a sumptuous and satisfying meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) – cut into cubes | 200 grams (1-inch cubes) |
| Green Chilli – finely chopped | 2 |
| Ginger – finely chopped | 1 teaspoon |
| Raisins | 1 tablespoon |
| Cashew nuts – finely chopped | 6 |
| Badam (Almond) – finely chopped | 6 |
| Pistachios – finely chopped | 6 |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Gram flour (besan) | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaf (tej patta) | 2 |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2-3 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2-3 |
| Mace (Javitri) | 1 |
| Star anise | 1 |
| Homemade tomato puree | 1 cup |
| Ginger | 1 inch |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Onion – roughly chopped | 1 |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cashew nuts – soaked and ground to a smooth paste | 10 |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 2 tablespoons |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 tablespoon |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh cream | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information
This delightful dish not only pleases the palate but also offers nutritional benefits. Here’s a glance at the approximate nutritional values per serving:
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400-450 |
| Protein | 15-20 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 25-30 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 5-7 grams |
| Total Fat | 25-30 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 12-15 grams |
| Cholesterol | 50-70 mg |
Instructions
Creating this Sweet & Spicy Stuffed Paneer In Kofta Curry involves a series of delightful steps that result in a richly flavored dish.
-
Prepare the Stuffing: Begin by preparing the stuffing for the paneer. Scoop out the center of each paneer cube using a melon baller or a small spoon, and transfer the scooped-out paneer to a bowl. Crumble or grate the removed paneer and set it aside.
-
Sauté Aromatics: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat a teaspoon of sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped green chillies and ginger, sautéing until the ginger releases its fragrance, about 1-2 minutes.
-
Mix the Stuffing: Add the raisins, chopped cashew nuts, almonds, and pistachios to the pan, sautéing for another 30 seconds to meld the flavors. Combine this mixture with the crumbled paneer, turmeric powder, gram flour, salt, and cardamom powder. Mix thoroughly, adjusting salt to taste.
-
Stuff the Paneer: Carefully stuff the paneer cubes with the prepared stuffing, pressing them firmly to hold the mixture inside.
-
Pan Fry the Paneer: In the same pan, heat an additional teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Place the stuffed paneer cubes in the pan and fry them gently until they are lightly golden on all sides. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
-
Prepare the Kofta Curry: For the kofta curry, blend the roughly chopped onion, ginger, and garlic into a smooth paste and set aside. In another bowl, grind the soaked cashew nuts with a little water to form a smooth paste.
-
Cook the Spices: In the same pan, add more oil if needed and toss in the whole spices: bay leaves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, mace, and star anise. Sauté for a few seconds until their aromas fill the kitchen.
-
Add the Paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic-onion paste and sauté for about a minute, allowing the raw smell to dissipate. Follow this by adding turmeric powder, coriander powder, and red chilli powder. Stir and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
-
Incorporate the Tomato Puree: Add the homemade tomato puree and the cashew nut paste, mixing well. Season with salt and incorporate the fresh cream into the sauce, adjusting the consistency with a little water if necessary.
-
Simmer the Curry: Allow the kofta curry to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, enabling the flavors to combine harmoniously. Taste and adjust the salt and spices as needed. Stir in the kasuri methi for added aroma and flavor.
-
Serve: Transfer the kofta curry to a serving bowl. Just before serving, gently place the stuffed paneer cubes into the warm curry, allowing them to soak in the flavors for a few minutes.
-
Accompaniments: Serve your Sweet & Spicy Stuffed Paneer In Kofta Curry warm, ideally accompanied by Punjabi Dal Tadka, Mixed Vegetable Pulao, Butter Garlic Naan, and Kela Anar Raita for a fulfilling and memorable dining experience.
Conclusion
This Sweet & Spicy Stuffed Paneer In Kofta Curry is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that captures the essence of North Indian cuisine. The creamy kofta curry, filled with sweet and spicy paneer, offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, it promises to leave your guests asking for seconds and the recipe!
