Malai kofta with white gravy is a vegetarian dish that features soft and creamy kofta balls made with paneer, cashews, and raisins, served in a rich and flavorful white gravy.
To make the kofta, you will need grated paneer, corn flour, cashews, raisins, green cardamom, salt, black pepper, and oil for frying. The kofta balls are a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with the cashews and raisins adding a delightful crunch and burst of flavor.
The white gravy is made with a blend of cream, curd, cashews, and spices such as cumin, garam masala, ginger, and green chili. The result is a luxurious and aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the soft and delicate kofta balls. With its creamy texture and complex flavors, it is a must-try for any fan of Indian cuisine.
History of Malai Kofta
As I am writing about the delicious dish of Malai Kofta, I thought it would be interesting to know about its history. malai kofta is a popular North Indian dish and is loved by many. It is a vegetarian dish that consists of soft and creamy koftas (dumplings) made of paneer, potatoes, and other vegetables, served in a rich and creamy white gravy.
The origin of malai kofta can be traced back to the Mughal era. It is believed that the Mughals were the ones who introduced this dish to India. The Mughals were known for their love for rich and creamy dishes, and malai kofta is no exception. The dish was originally made with meat, but over time, the vegetarian version became more popular.
Malai kofta has become a staple in Indian cuisine and is enjoyed by people all over the world. It is often served at weddings, parties, and other special occasions. The dish has evolved, and there are now many variations of Malai Kofta available, including ones with tomato-based gravy or spicy gravy.
Ingredients:
For Malai Kofta
- ½ cup of paneer
- 1/3 cup of corn flour
- 8 cashew nuts
- 1 tbsp of raisins
- 2 green cardamom
- 1/2 tbsp of salt
- ¼ tsp of black pepper
- Oil for frying
For White Gravy
- 2 tbsp of oil
- 1/3 cup of cashew nuts
- 1 cup of cream
- ½ cup of curd
- 3 tbsp of finely chopped green coriander
- 1/2 tbsp of cumin seeds
- Garam masala spice mix (2 brown cardamom, 2 cloves, 6 black pepper, ½ inch of cinnamon stick)
- 1 tsp of ginger paste
- 1-2 finely chopped green chilly
- ½ tsp of coriander powder
- 1 tsp of salt
- ¼ tsp of red chilly powder
- 1 tbsp of butter
How to Make Malai Kofta with White Gravy?
For the Kofta Balls:
- Mash some paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a bowl. Add some corn flour (not too much) and black pepper to make a soft dough, like play dough.
- Make a yummy filling by mixing cashews, raisins, and a little cardamom powder.
- Take a small lump of dough, flatten it, and make a little dent in the middle. Put some filling there.
- Pinch the dough closed around the filling, like making a round dumpling. Roll it between your palms to make a ball. Dust it with some more corn flour.
- Heat oil in a pan. Once it’s warm but not too hot, fry the balls gently until they’re golden brown.
For the Creamy Sauce:
- Soak some cashews in hot water for a bit, then blend them into a smooth paste.
- Grind up some spices like cardamom, pepper, clove, and cinnamon (don’t worry about making it super fine).
- Heat oil in a pan. Add some cumin seeds, then the ground spices, some ginger, and red chili powder.
- Add the cashew paste and cook it until the oil separates from the masala (the spice mix).
- Pour in some cream and cook it again until the oil separates once more.
- Add coriander powder, more red chili powder if you like it spicier, and some yogurt. Let it simmer for a bit.
- If the sauce is too thick, add some water until it’s the consistency you like. Season it with salt, sugar, and a pat of butter. Throw in some chopped coriander leaves for freshness.
Putting it all Together:
- Add the fried kofta balls to the creamy sauce and simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Now you can serve it! Eat it with any kind of flatbread you like, such as chapatti, naan, paratha, or puri.
- If you prefer, you can skip mixing the koftas in the sauce and serve them separately on a plate with some sauce poured over them. Garnish everything with a sprinkle of coriander leaves.
Serving Suggestions
- Rice: This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice. You can also try serving it with flavored rice such as saffron or cumin rice.
- Naan or Roti: Another classic pairing is malai kofta with naan or roti. The bread helps to soak up the creamy sauce and adds a nice texture to the dish.
- Salad: If you’re looking for a lighter option, try serving malai kofta with a fresh salad. A simple cucumber and tomato salad with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt can be the perfect complement to this rich dish.
- Chutney: A dollop of mint or coriander chutney can add a burst of flavor to your malai kofta. You can also try serving it with a side of mango chutney for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Papad: Crispy papad can be a great addition to your malai kofta meal. You can either fry them or roast them in the oven for a healthier option.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetable Kofta: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of malai kofta, you can substitute the paneer and potato koftas with vegetable koftas. You can use vegetables like carrots, peas, beans, and cauliflower to make the koftas. This is a great option for those who want to avoid dairy products.
- Cashew Cream: Instead of using heavy cream to make the white gravy, you can use cashew cream. Soak cashews in water for a few hours and then blend them until smooth. Use this cream to make the gravy. This is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant.
- Spices: You can adjust the spices in the recipe to suit your taste. If you like your food spicy, you can add more red chili powder or green chilies. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of spices used.
- Garnishes: You can garnish the malai kofta with a variety of toppings. Some popular options include chopped cilantro, sliced almonds, and raisins. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or sour cream on top.
- Serving Suggestions: Malai kofta can be served with a variety of sides. You can serve it with rice, naan, or roti. You can also serve it with a side of salad or raita.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing Malai Kofta with White Gravy
When storing malai kofta, it is important to keep it in an airtight container and refrigerate it as soon as possible. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria and keep the dish fresh for longer.
If you plan on storing the dish for a longer period, you can also freeze it. Simply transfer the dish to a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating The Malai Kofta
To reheat the dish, I recommend using a microwave or stovetop. When using a microwave, make sure to cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to prevent the gravy from splattering. Heat the dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
When reheating on the stovetop, transfer the dish to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the gravy has thickened, you can add a splash of milk or water to thin it out.
Conclusion
I hope this article has given you a better understanding of how to make malai kofta with white gravy. Through my personal experience, I have found that this dish can be a bit tricky to make, but with patience and practice, it can turn out to be a delicious and satisfying meal.
One thing to keep in mind when making this dish is to use fresh ingredients. The quality of the ingredients can greatly affect the taste of the final dish. Additionally, it is important to follow the recipe closely and not make any substitutions unless necessary.
Another tip is to make sure the koftas are cooked all the way through before adding them to the gravy. This will ensure that they hold their shape and don’t fall apart in the sauce.
Overall, malai kofta with white gravy is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a little bit of practice and some attention to detail, you can create a delicious meal that your family and friends will love.
Did you know? Baba ganoush with red pepper pairs perfectly with this dish!
Get that recipe now (by clicking the image below):
