Malai Kofta in Spicy Cream Sauce |
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Prep Time: 45 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes |
Ready In: 75 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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Kofta, a classic dish of Moghul origin, is one of the most important preparations of Indian vegetarian cuisine. Traditionally, koftas are simmered in a delicate sauce and turned into a curried main dish. Ingredients:
2 large russet potatoes, boiled, peeled, mashed |
1/2 cup green peas |
1/4 cup cheese, shredded |
1 hot green chili pepper, chopped |
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander |
1 tablespoon cumin seed |
1/2 teaspoon salt |
1/4 cup cashew nuts, chopped |
1 tablespoon raisins |
3/4 cup chickpea flour or 3/4 cup cornflour, see note |
1 cup water |
oil (for frying) |
8 cashew nuts, whole |
2 cloves |
1 pinch nutmeg |
1 inch cinnamon stick |
1 garlic clove, peeled |
2 tablespoons unsalted butter |
1 large onion, grated |
1 pinch turmeric |
2 teaspoons paprika |
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander |
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper |
1 tablespoon salt |
1 cup half-and-half |
1 cup water |
1/2 cup heavy cream |
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped |
Directions:
1. THE KOFTA: Combine potatoes, peas, cheese, chile, coriander, cumin, salt, cashews and raisins.
2. Form mixture into 1-inch balls.
3. Make a batter with the flour and water. Season with pinch of salt, if desired.
4. Heat oil to 375 degrees F in a deep fryer or large heavy saucepan.
5. Dip balls into batter to coat completely, and deep-fry until brown (do not crowd), about 4 minutes. Set aside. (If you want the kebabs to remain firm, put them on a heated serving platter, and tent with foil. To serve, bring cream sauce to a boil and pour over koftas)
6. THE SAUCE: Grind cashews, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and garlic with a little water to make a fine paste. Set aside.
7. Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
8. Add onion and saute until wilted; stir in ground paste and cook 2 minutes.
9. Add turmeric, paprika, coriander, cayenne and salt. Stir in half-and-half and water. Reduce heat and simmer about 15 minutes.
10. Stir in cream. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Pour over koftas.
11. Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.
12. Note: Chick-pea flour (also called besan) may be purchased at Indian grocery stores.
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