Malai Kofta

 Stuffed cottage chesse kofta simmered in a creamy tomato sauce

Malai kofta is a classic dish of North India,a must and favourite dish of every restaurent menu card.
The melt in mouth Koftas are made with grated paneer and boiled potatoes and stuffed with nuts and saffron ,the rich and creamy sauce is made with tomatoes,cashews and cream.There are few versions of making this creamy sauce and the colour of the gravy depends on the spices and ingredients used.
you can prepare the koftas and gravy before and just heat them before serving.These fried koftas can also be served as a snack.

INGREDIENTS-
For Malai kofta-

• Cottage cheese/ paneer-1 cup
• Potato,boiled -4
• Cashew,chopped-2 tsp
• Raisins,chopped-2 tsp
• Corn starch- 2.5 tbsp
• Cardamom powder-1/4 tsp
• Green chilies-1 tsp
• Saffron -1/4 tsp
• Garam masala-1/2 tsp
• Chili powder-1/2 tsp
• Fresh coriander,chopped-2 tsp
• Pepper powder-1/4 tsp
• Salt- to taste

For gravy-

• Tomatoes-5
• Cashew nuts-1/4 cup
• Fresh cream-1/2 cup
• Green chilies-2
• Ginger- 1inch
• Sugar-1 tsp
• Chili powder-1.5 tsp
• Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp
• Salt- to taste
• Kasoori methi -1 tsp
• Fenugreek seed-pinch of
• Cardamom powder-1/3 tsp
• Clove powder - a pinch
• Bay leaves-2
• Cinnamon  -1/2 inch
• Garam masala-3/4 tsp
• Fresh coriander-2 tsp

PROCEDURE-

1. KOFTAS-In a big bowl mash together 3 boiled potatoes,1/2 cup paneer,salt,chili powder,corn flour(or soak 1.5 bread slice in water, squeeze and use instead of corn flour)chopped fresh coriander and garam masala,mix well-mixture A
2. In a seperate bowl, take 1/2 cup paneer(mash and make it smooth),chopped cashew pieces,chopped raisins, saffron(soaked in 1/2 tsp of warm milk),cardamom powder,pepper powder and pinch of salt and mix well.-mixture B
3. Take a small portion from the mixture A and flatten it and then stuff it with a small ball made with the mixture B and then roll and make round balls from it.
4. Roll the balls in dry corn flour and then dust off the extra corn flour.
5. Heat oil in a deep pan and deep fry the koftas till golden in colour.
6. Drain on a tissue paper and keep aside.
7. GRAVY-Boil  the tomatoes and then grind with 2 green chilies and ginger
8. Soak cashew nuts in warm water for 15 minutes and then drain the water and grind cashews to make a smooth paste.
9. Heat 2 tbsp oil+1tbsp of butter in a pan and add bay leaves,cinnamon and a pinch of fenugreek seeds and fry for few seconds
10. Now add tomato puree and cook for approx 2-3 minutes, partially cover the pan with a lid to avoid splattering.
11. Then add turmeric,chili powder,cardamom powder,clove powder(or 2 cloves) and cashew paste.
12. Mix well and saute till the oil start seperating from the sides of the pan.
13. Now add approx 1.5  to 2 cups of water and let it simmer till it thickens,will take approx 10 minutes.
14. Add sugar,cream, garam masala and crushed kasoori methi.
15. Simmer  for a minute and then add chopped fresh coriander and 1 tsp butter
16. Just before serving arrange the hot koftas in the serving dish and pour the hot gravy over them.

Serving suggestions-serve with  jeera rice,pulao or naan
This is my entry for- Jagruti's potluck party