Malai Kofta is a luxurious dish from Pakistani and North Indian cuisine, featuring velvety balls of paneer and potato cooked in a creamy, spiced tomato-based sauce. This dish is a favorite at festive occasions and is known for its rich and indulgent taste. Often served as part of a more extensive meal, Malai Kofta pairs beautifully with naan, paratha, or jeera rice, making it a satisfying and flavorful choice for a special dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the koftas:
- 200g paneer, grated
- 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 2 tbsp cornflour
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Oil, for deep frying
For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, pureed
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- For the koftas, mix paneer, potatoes, cornflour, garam masala, and salt. Form into small balls.
- Heat oil in a deep pan and deep-fry the koftas until golden. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- For the sauce, heat butter in a pan. Add onion and ginger-garlic paste, sauté until golden.
- Add tomato puree, chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until oil begins to separate from the sauce.
- Lower the heat, add cream and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the fried koftas to the sauce just before serving. Heat through and garnish with fresh coriander.
- Serve hot with naan or rice.
Unlock the secrets to creating the decadent Malai Kofta with our comprehensive guide. This beloved North Indian dish consists of soft, melt-in-your-mouth paneer and potato koftas, deep-fried to golden perfection, then immersed in a smooth, creamy gravy made from tomatoes, cashews, and a variety of spices. Learn how to craft these delightful koftas and achieve the perfect balance of flavors in the sauce, which is subtly sweet yet deeply savory. This dish is often reserved for festive meals due to its rich and indulgent nature, making it a favorite for celebrations and family feasts.
