Perfect for- This creamy and flavorful dish is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or festive gatherings. It’s also a show-stopper for potlucks, lunch and dinner parties, or when you want to impress guests with your culinary skills. But don’t let its elegance fool you – it’s also satisfying enough for a comforting weeknight meal!

Preparation Time- 15 minutes

Cooking Time- 45 minutes

Health Benefits:

• While not a low-calorie dish, Malai Kofta offers some redeeming nutritional qualities:
• Paneer: A good source of protein and calcium, essential for building and maintaining strong bones and tissues.
• Cashews: Packed with healthy fats, fibre, and minerals like magnesium and copper.

Instructions:

• Make the Kofta: In a bowl, combine grated paneer, mashed potatoes, coriander leaves, ginger-garlic paste, green chilli paste (optional), garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, salt, cornflour. Mix well to form a dough.
• Shape the Kofta: Divide the dough into 12 equal balls. Using your thumb, gently make a small indentation in the center of each ball.
• Fry the Kofta: Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat. Fry the kofta balls in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
• Make the Curry: Heat ghee or oil in a separate pan or pot over medium heat. Add bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon stick. Saute for a minute until fragrant.
• Add chopped onion and cook until softened about 5 minutes. Add tomato, ginger, garlic, and green chilli paste (optional). Cook until the mixture becomes mushy.
• Stir in coriander powder, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, and red chilli powder. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add cashews and cook for a minute. Pour in milk and heavy cream (optional). Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add kasuri methi and season with salt to taste.
• Gently add the fried kofta to the curry and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with roti, naan, or rice.

Tips:

• Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped carrots, bell peppers, or peas to the curry.
• You can use low-fat dahi or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.