A popular Indian classic, this comfort curry feature crispy balls of paneer and veggies or koftas dunked in a mildly spiced, creamy and rich tomato based sauce
Combine together paneer, potatoes, 1 tablespoon cornflour and garam masala in a large bowl. Season with salt. Make 10 paneer balls out of the mixture.
Place 2 tablespoon cornflour in a wide bowl. Roll the balls in cornflour. Meanwhile, heat oil for deep frying in a heavy bottomed pan. Add paneer balls in batches, and deep fry until golden brown. Drain on an absorbent towel. Set aside.
Onion paste:
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add cardamoms, cinnamon and cloves. Sauté, stirring constantly, for a few seconds. Add onions, ginger and garlic. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes or until onions turn soft and translucent.
Add tomatoes and cashew nuts. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until tomatoes break down and turn mushy. Remove from heat. Leave to cool slightly. Grind to a smooth paste. Set aside.
Malai kofta:
Heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add bay leaf, cinnamon and cardamom pods. Sauté, stirring constantly, for few seconds or until fragrant. Add ginger and garlic. Sauté, stirring constantly, for 1 minute or until aromatic.
Add onion paste and tomato paste. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes or until oil separates. Add garam masala, coriander powder and red chili powder. Season with salt. Sauté, stirring constantly, for a minute.
Add sugar. Cover with enough water to make thick sauce. Bring to the boil. Simmer for 3-5 minutes. Add kasuri methi. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream. Heat through.
Place koftas in the sauce just before serving. Garnish with chopped coriander (cilantro) leaves.
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Notes
- Traditionally, the koftas are made with paneer and potatoes. But you can more finely chopped veggies if you like. Chopped cashew nuts and almonds will also add more flavor to the paneer balls - Perfect with parathas, naan, roti or rice