Malai Kofta

"Namaste", "Sat-Sri-Akal", "As-salamu Alaykum", "Hello"!!

To my readers, Comfort Food Creator is back again with a new recipe for the week. This recipes has been made tremendously popular by various food outlets in India. It has a very rich texture and taste. This recipe has not just made ripples in the Indian sub-continent but also in western countries. A dish which has its origin in the state of Punjab; The food basket of this incredible nation. Punjab, as you all know has always been the epicentre of North-Indian cuisine. The extensive use of spices, butter and ghee makes it more rich in flavour.

Travelling through the kitchen of "Comfort Food Creator", this recipe is going to be your regular favourite. Introducing to you - "Malai Kofta" - Deep fried Potato & Paneer mixture balls dipped in a creamy tomato gravy. Of the many Koftas which has been introduced to me by my Grandmother & Mom, this dish adds up to the hype. A grandeur on its on, this Malai Kofta recipe is really close to my heart. 

As many vegetarians look towards trying new dishes in the menu; This dish sets an example of always being the star item. This said, now let me shed some light on what "Malai Kofta" means. The Hindi word "Malai" means cream and "Kofta" means deep fried balls. To my friends and readers who live outside India, the Italian meat balls have a competition in the market. Meat balls are like deep fried balls, served on top on spaghetti with a tomato based sauce. This "Malai Kofta" recipe will surely make you feel the taste of Punjab in your kitchen. 

Preparation Time - 45 minutes    
Serving - 4

How do we make it?

For the Koftas-

1. Firstly, we need to make the Kofta mixture. For this we need 4 boiled potatoes, mashed in a bowl. In this will add 250 grams of grated Paneer or cottage cheese. 
2. Next will add 1tsp salt, 1tsp red chilli powder, 1tsp black pepper, 1tsp coriander powder and 1tsp mango powder. Mix it nicely. Now will add 2tbsp crushed cashew nuts and 1tbsp raisins. Then will add 1tbsp cornflour and 1tbsp flour and mix it nicely. 
3. Now the mixture is ready. Make it into small balls(Koftas) and keep it aside. Roughly 10-12 balls can be made from this mixture.
4. Now heat enough oil (almost 2 cups) in a pot. Keep the flame high. It will take 3-4 minutes for the oil to be hot. Now start deep frying the paneer balls. While frying you can keep it at a medium flame. Cook till it's crisp and golden brown. 
5. Remember to fry just one ball first, just to check whether they are breaking in the oil or not. If its breaking you can add 1tbsp more of cornflour and mix it nicely. 
6. Fry till both the sides of the balls are golden brown. Fry all the paneer balls and keep it aside in a plate with a paper towel on it.

For the Gravy -

1. Now heat 3tbsp oil in a Kadai (Pan). Keep it at a medium flame. Add 2 cardamon, 1 small cinnamon stick and 1tsp cumin seeds. Let the seeds crackle, and then add 2 chopped red onions to it. Sauté till the onions are golden brown. Add 6-7 cashews to it.
2. Cook at a medium flame for 4-5 minutes.
3. Now add 2 chopped tomatoes to it and mix it nicely. Add 1/2 cup water to it and cover it with a lid. Cook for 4-5 minutes at a medium flame. 
4. Now turn off the flame and let it cool down. This will take 10-15 minutes. In the mean time you can enjoy your time. 
5. After the mixture cools down, grind it in a grinder. Make a nice paste of it. Then take a strainer and strain the mixture. 
6. Now in the same Kadahi, add 2tbsp butter and turn on the flame high. Add the strained mixture to it. Add 1tbsp salt,1 tsp turmeric powder, 1tsp red chilli powder, 1tsp coriander powder, 1tsp black pepper and 1tsp garam masala powder. Mix it nicely. 
7. Let the gravy cook for 6-7 minutes at a medium flame. When the oil starts to separate, add 1tbsp cream and mix it nicely. Sprinkle 1tsp Kasuri Methi (Fenugreek Leaves). Check the seasoning and add salt accordingly.
8. Add the deep fry Koftas to it and coat it nicely with the gravy. Sprinkle some fresh chopped coriander leaves on top. Serve it with Tandoori Roti or Garlic Naan and let's enjoy this delicacy. 

Now let's move forward, and see what do we require to make this incredible recipe with a little bit of effort and love. 

Ingredients Required - 

• 250 grams Paneer (Cottage Cheese)
• 3-4 medium sized boiled potatoes
• 2 onions chopped
• 2 tomatoes chopped
• 6-7 cashew nuts (for the gravy)
• 5-6 cashew crushed (for the koftas)
• 8-9 raisins
• 2tsp red chilli powder
• 2tbsp salt
• 1tsp turmeric powder
• 2tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
• 1tsp Kasuri Methi
• 1tsp mango powder
• 2tsp coriander powder
• 2 cardamon 
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 1tsp cumin seeds
• 1tbsp cream
• 2tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp oil (for the gravy)
• 1 1/2 cup (for deep frying)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1tbsp cornflour
• 1tbsp flour 
• Some freshly chopped coriander leaves

Try it and let me know how it turns up. Comfort FC is always there to help our comfort food makers.
Enjoy your food and stay tuned as Comfort FC has a lot to offer to our readers. 

Follow me on Instagram for video tutorials for this recipe -

@waliaharsh
https://www.instagram.com/waliaharsh/