Go Back
malai kofta

Malai Kofta Recipe

Malai Kofta is a creamy North Indian curry made with fried paneer and potato balls (koftas) served in a tomato-cashew gravy. This vegetarian restaurant-style dish is perfect for special occasions or dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 people
Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Deep frying pan
  • 1 Blender
  • 1 Mixing bowl1
  • 1 Slotted spoon
  • 1 Saucepan

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium potatoes boiled and mashed
  • 1 cup paneer grated
  • 2 tablespoons cornflour for binding
  • 2 tablespoons cashews chopped
  • 1 tablespoon raisins
  • 1 green chili finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh coriander chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for deep frying
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil
  • 1 black cardamom
  • 2 green cardamoms
  • 1- inch cinnamon stick
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 medium onions roughly chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes roughly chopped
  • 10 cashews
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup fresh cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon garam masala

Instructions
 

  • Heat 2 tbsp butter. Add whole spices: black cardamom, green cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin seeds. Sauté for 1 minute.
  • Add onions and tomatoes, cook till soft. Add turmeric, cumin, chili, coriander powders, salt, and cashews. Sauté 2–3 minutes.
  • Add 1/2 cup water and simmer for 10–12 minutes. Let it cool slightly, then blend the gravy into a smooth paste. Set aside.
  • In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, grated paneer, chopped cashews, raisins, green chili, coriander, cornflour, and salt to prepare the dough for kofta. Mix into a soft dough.
  • Make small balls from the dough.
  • Deep fry in medium-hot oil until golden and crisp. Drain on a paper towel.
  • Reheat blended gravy in a clean pan. Add cream and garam masala. Simmer for 2–3 minutes till rich and creamy.
  • Arrange fried koftas in a serving dish.
  • Pour hot gravy over the top.
  • Garnish with cream and coriander. Serve malai kofta hot with naan, jeera rice, or roti.

Notes

  • You can air fry or bake the koftas for a healthier version.
  • Add a pinch of sugar in the gravy to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • For extra richness, increase the cream or add a few tablespoons of milk powder to the kofta gravy.
Keyword how to make kofta, how to make malai kofta, indian cream dish, malai kofta curry, paneer kofta recipe