Malai Kofta Curry
This dish is really good and only takes about 30 minutes to make from scratch.
Even the biggest meat fans love malai vegetarian kofta curry!
This Malai kofta curry is one of the most popular recipes from my cookbook “The Curry Guy Easy’. It is easy! That’s why it’s in the book.
I have made Malai kofta curry with many different vegetables but this version works really well. The malai sauce is delicious and mild. You could of course through some more chillies in if you prefer your curries spicier.
Even the biggest meat fans love Malai kofta curry. I promise you… you won’t miss the meat in this one. The veggie koftas are deliciously filling.
This is the perfect curry for young and old. It is very authentic and definitely worth a try for vegetarians and those, who like me, just want to cut back on their meat intake without feeling like I’m missing out on something.
If you like this recipe try these others:
Spicy Paneer Masala Balti
Roasted Chickpeas in Spices
Chickpea Curry
Kala Chana Curry
Samosa Chaat
Mix all of the kofta ingredients well with your hands.
Form into kofta, slightly larger than golf balls.
Once all the sauce ingredients are added, simmer until really thick.
Add about 600ml water and simmer to reduce by about a third. Then blend until smooth.
Deep fry your koftas until browned and transfer to a paper towel to soak up excess oil.
To serve, place the koftas in a warmed serving bowl and cover with some of the sauce.
Malai Vegetarian Kofta Curry
Ingredients
- 250g potato - 80% cooked (boiled) and then grated
- 200g grated paneer cheese
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 1 tablespoon rice flour
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 teaspoons chilli powder
- 4 tablespoons chopped coriander
- 1 large handful baby spinach leaves - washed and chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons rapeseed or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoons cumin powder
- 1 tablespoons ground coriander powder
- 10 almonds
- 10 cashews
- Two onions – finely chopped
- 2 green chillies - finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons garlic and ginger paste
- 1 x 400ml tin of tomatoes
- 200ml single cream
- Salt to taste
- garam masala
Instructions
- Start by making your koftas. Squeeze as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes and mix with the rice and plain flour. Let stand for about five minutes.
- Now mix the grated potato with the grated paneer, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, one teaspoon chilli powder, the chopped spinach and coriander. To this add the salt.
- Form into koftas slightly larger than golf balls and set aside while you make your sauce.
- Heat the oil over medium high heat in a large saucepan.
- When visibly hot, stir in the remaining turmeric, chilli powder, cumin, coriander powder, almonds and cashews.
- Temper this all in the oil for about 30 seconds and then add the chopped onions. Fry for about five minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the green chillies and garlic and ginger paste and fry for a further minute followed by the chopped tomatoes.
- Simmer for about five minutes and then blend to a smooth sauce using a handheld or countertop blender.
- Return this to the pan and add about 400ml water and simmer down for about 15 minutes. Stir in the cream and continue to simmer until you are happy with the consistency.
- Season with salt to taste and sprinkle with the garam masala and keep warm.
- Heat oil for deep frying. You need enough oil in your pan to just cover the koftas.
- The oil is hot enough for frying when a small piece broken off of one of the koftas sizzles and rises to the top immediately when thrown into the oil.
- Carefully place your koftas in the oil and fry until crispy brown on the exterior. About five minutes should do the trick.
- Place the koftas in a heated serving dish or individual bowls and cover with some of the sauce.
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shika
Friday 11th of May 2018
Wondering if koftas can be frozen .. have you tried. ? I'm worried that they'll fall apart upon thawing and reheating.
Dan Toombs
Monday 14th of January 2019
Hi Shika
Sorry, but I've never tried freezing them. I will though.
Thanks, Dan
Maxine
Thursday 5th of October 2017
Hello, can the curry be made the day before it is served?
Dan Toombs
Friday 13th of October 2017
Hi Maxine
It sure can. In fact the flavours develop so it may even be better next day.
Dan
John Clayton
Sunday 21st of May 2017
Dan, that's a belter. All 5 kids devoured. Doubled the recipe, more or less, served with naan and Bombay potatoes. This is going to become a regular.
Dan Toombs
Thursday 25th of May 2017
Great to hear John! I'm really glad you and family liked the recipe. :-)
Dan
John Clayton
Thursday 18th of May 2017
Doing this as a main course, what would you serve it with?
Dan Toombs
Thursday 25th of May 2017
Hi John
I like to serve it with rice or naans! There is a lot of flavour in the curry. A good dhal always goes well too.
Cheers, Dan