Malai Kofta/ मलाई कोफ़्ता
Malai Kofta is Also Known as Royal Kofta, Vegetable Balls in Creamy Sauce
Malai Kofta: A luxurious North Indian delicacy, Malai Kofta features rich, creamy dumplings made from a blend of soft paneer and mashed vegetables, gently fried to golden perfection. Served in a velvety tomato-based gravy, this indulgent dish is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors, making it an irresistible addition to any meal. Enjoy it with naan or steamed rice for a truly royal experience.
- Cook Time: 30.00 min
- Serving size: # 4
- Serve: Hot
- Per Serving Calore: 557.3475 Kcal
Malai Kofta is a delightful addition to your weekly meal plan, offering the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition! Made with paneer (cottage cheese) and potatoes, it’s a great source of protein and healthy fats, essential for a well-rounded diet. The creamy gravy adds richness without being overwhelming, making it a satisfying dish for all ages. Add this indulgent, yet nutritious dish to your weekly menu to keep mealtimes exciting and wholesome!
Perfect for a family dinner or a weekend feast, Malai Kofta ensures your meals are balanced and tasty!
Nutrition Facts of Malai Kofta
Amount per Serving of Malai Kofta
Vitamins & Minerals present in
Malai Kofta
Meal Planning Tips
Malai Kofta is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine, a rich and flavorful curry that never fails to impress. Originating from North India, this indulgent vegetarian dish consists of deep-fried, soft koftas (dumplings) made from mashed potatoes and paneer (cottage cheese), simmered in a creamy, spiced gravy. The perfect blend of textures and flavors makes it a popular choice for festive occasions, family gatherings, and special dinners.
Imagine the moment when you cut into the golden kofta, releasing a soft, melt-in-the-mouth filling of creamy paneer and mashed potatoes. The gravy, with its rich, velvety texture, envelops the kofta in the most comforting way. The blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, cardamom, and garam masala, along with a touch of cream and tomato puree, creates a sauce that is nothing short of luxurious. The result is a dish that is both indulgent and deeply satisfying.
Malai Kofta is not just a treat for your taste buds, but it's also customizable! You can experiment with the kofta fillings by adding a variety of vegetables like carrots, peas, or even corn, making it perfect for picky eaters. For those who prefer a lighter version, the koftas can be baked instead of deep-fried, without compromising on flavor or texture. Additionally, the gravy can be made richer or lighter based on your dietary preferences—use less cream or opt for low-fat yogurt to make it more heart-friendly without losing the dish's iconic taste.
This dish can also be tailored to suit various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a special family meal, or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, Malai Kofta fits seamlessly into any meal plan. The creamy, flavorful gravy pairs wonderfully with naan, roti, or even jeera rice, offering endless pairing possibilities to elevate your dining experience.
In terms of seasons, Malai Kofta is a perfect dish to enjoy during the cooler months. Its creamy, rich texture provides warmth and comfort, making it ideal for fall and winter. Imagine cozying up with a bowl of Malai Kofta, savoring its hearty flavors while the chill of the season surrounds you. It's also great for special festive occasions like Diwali, Holi, or any other family celebration, where indulgent dishes take center stage.
Aside from its irresistible taste, Malai Kofta offers several nutritional benefits that make it a worthy addition to your regular diet. Both paneer and potatoes provide an excellent source of protein, calcium, and essential vitamins. Paneer is rich in probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health and immunity, while potatoes contribute to a healthy digestive system. Additionally, the dish is a good source of dietary fiber, essential for heart health and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
The cream and yogurt used in the gravy provide healthy fats that are essential for brain function and skin health, making Malai Kofta not just a flavor-packed dish but also a nutritious one. However, if you're watching your calorie intake, you can easily modify the recipe by using low-fat cream or opting for a yogurt-based gravy. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—flavor and health.
By adding Malai Kofta to your regular diet, you’re not just introducing a delicious dish to your weekly meals, but also boosting your nutrition with a well-balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a comforting meal, this dish is versatile, satisfying, and easy to make. It's a true showstopper in any meal plan!
So, why wait? Try making Malai Kofta today, and bring a taste of authentic Indian cuisine to your table. With endless customization options, this dish can easily become your family’s new favorite. Whether you enjoy it during the festive season or as a regular dinner option, Malai Kofta is sure to add an extra dose of warmth and flavor to your week!
Tip: If you're cooking for a group, double the recipe and freeze the koftas for later use! This way, you always have a hearty meal ready to go whenever you're in the mood for something special.
Ingredients Required for Malai Kofta
Total Ingredients in Malai Kofta are # 19
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions for making Malai Kofta at Home.
Preparing the Kofta Mixture: Begin by preparing the kofta mixture. Take your mashed potatoes and crumble fresh paneer into them. Gently knead them together to form a smooth, pliable dough. Add in finely chopped onions, coriander, and a mix of aromatic spices like cumin, garam masala, and salt. Once everything is combined, roll the mixture into smooth, even balls, ensuring no cracks appear. If the mixture is too soft, you can add a bit of cornflour to help bind it together. The consistency should be smooth but firm enough to hold its shape during frying. (Time taken: 10 minutes)
Shaping the Koftas: Now it’s time to shape your koftas. Gently take portions of the dough and roll them into small, round balls. Press them slightly to make a smooth, even shape, making sure there are no cracks. For an extra touch, you can stuff the koftas with a small piece of cashew nut or raisins for a delightful surprise inside. Be gentle but firm, ensuring they hold together when frying. (Time taken: 5 minutes)
Frying the Koftas: Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadhai on medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking. Gently slide the shaped koftas into the oil, a few at a time, ensuring they don’t stick together. Fry the koftas slowly, turning them gently to ensure even browning. As they cook, they will puff up slightly and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. It’s important to keep the oil temperature steady; too hot, and the koftas may burn on the outside without cooking through. Once they are crisp and golden, remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. (Time taken: 10 minutes)
Preparing the Gravy Base: While the koftas are frying, start preparing the rich gravy. Begin by heating oil or ghee in a large pan. Add finely chopped onions and sauté them until they turn a soft, golden brown. Next, add ginger and garlic paste, followed by finely chopped tomatoes. Stir them together, letting the mixture cook until the tomatoes break down and turn into a thick, smooth paste. Add in your spices—cumin, coriander powder, turmeric, and garam masala—allowing them to release their aromatic oils in the cooking mixture. This will create the base for your delicious gravy. (Time taken: 8 minutes)
Cooking the Gravy: Once the spices have blended well into the tomato mixture, it’s time to add water to form the gravy. Depending on how thick you prefer your gravy, you can adjust the water accordingly. Stir well, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Now, add cream or yogurt, which will give the gravy its creamy, velvety texture. Allow the gravy to simmer for a few minutes, giving the spices time to meld together and infuse the sauce. The aroma should be rich and inviting. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding salt or additional spice to suit your preference. (Time taken: 10 minutes)
Combining the Koftas with the Gravy: Once the gravy is ready and the koftas have cooled slightly, gently place the fried koftas into the simmering gravy. Let them cook in the sauce for a few minutes, ensuring they absorb some of the flavors from the gravy, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can lose their shape. The koftas should be soft and melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the gravy should be thick and smooth, coating each kofta perfectly. Stir gently to coat the koftas without breaking them. (Time taken: 5 minutes)
Garnishing and Serving: To finish, garnish the Malai Kofta with fresh cilantro leaves and a drizzle of cream for that extra touch of richness. The creamy gravy should be smooth, and the koftas should look soft yet slightly golden at the edges. Serve your Malai Kofta hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice for the perfect meal. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a comforting family dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit. (Time taken: 3 minutes)
