Malai Kofta

Malai kofta is a classic North Indian dish consisting of soft, paneer-based dumplings bathed in a creamy tomato sauce. The dumplings are made with a combination of paneer, mashed potatoes, and spices, and are shallow fried until golden brown. The sauce is made with a blend of tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, and spices, and is simmered until thickened. Malai kofta is typically served with rice or roti.

Malai kofta is believed to have originated in the Mughal era. The dish was said to have been created by the royal chefs of the Mughal emperor Akbar, who was known for his love of paneer. The koftas were originally made with lamb or beef, but over time, the recipe was adapted to include paneer, which is a vegetarian alternative to meat. Malai kofta quickly became a popular dish in the Mughal court, and eventually spread to other parts of India. Today, malai kofta is a beloved dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages.

Prep time: 30 | Cook time: 45 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
• Potatoes
• Cashews
• Onions
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Green chilies
• Spices (coriander, cumin, turmeric, garam masala)

Instructions

1. Make a smooth paste with the cashews, onions, ginger, garlic, and green chilies.
2. Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash them.
3. Combine the paneer, mashed potatoes, and cashew paste in a bowl.
4. Add the spices and mix well.
5. Form the mixture into small dumplings.
6. Shallow-fry the dumplings until golden brown.
7. Make the gravy by blending the tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, and spices.
8. Add the gravy to a pan and bring to a boil.

Why It Works

• The combination of paneer, mashed potatoes, and spices creates a soft and flavorful dumpling.
• Shallow frying the dumplings until golden brown gives them a crispy exterior.
• The creamy tomato sauce is flavorful and complements the dumplings perfectly.