Malai Kofta
Serves: 4 people
Ingredients
- Paneer – 250 gm
- Plain flour (Maida) – 1 tsp
- Oil – for frying and cooking
- Ginger – 2 inch piece
- Garlic – 5 cloves
- Onion – 2 medium
- Tomato – 2 medium
- Peas – ½ cup
- Coriander leaves – ½ cup (finely chopped)
- Kitchen King (MDH) – 3 tsp
- Deggi Mirch – ½ tsp
- Salt – to taste
- Fresh cream or malai – ½ cup to ¾ cup
- Tomato sauce – 3 tsp
Method
To Prepare Kofta Balls
- Grate paneer finely and mash until smooth and lump-free.
- Add maida, salt, and a pinch of red chilli powder. Mix well.
- Let the mixture rest for 5–10 minutes before shaping balls.
- Shape into small, smooth balls.
- Deep fry until light golden brown. Keep aside.
To Prepare Gravy
- Grind ginger, garlic, onion, and tomatoes with a little water into a smooth paste.
- Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add the paste and cook until it turns light brown and oil separates.
- Add salt, Deggi mirch, and Kitchen King masala. Mix well and cook for 1 minute.
- Add fresh cream (or lightly whisked malai) and mix on low flame.
- Simmer on low flame for 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Add peas and 1 cup water. Cover and cook for 5–6 minutes until peas are soft.
- Add tomato sauce and mix well.
- Add fried kofta balls and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Adjust consistency by adding water if needed.
Garnishing
- Fresh coriander leaves.
- A spoonful of fresh cream.
- Ginger juliennes (thin lengthwise strips).
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with naan, roti, paratha, or steamed rice.
- Best served immediately to enjoy soft koftas in creamy gravy.
- Ideal for lunch, dinner, or special occasions.
Tips
- Do not overmix paneer, or koftas may become hard.
- Fry koftas on medium heat to avoid breaking.
- Add koftas only before serving to keep them soft.
- Whisk malai before adding for a smooth gravy texture.
- Adjust spice level as per taste preference.
- If gravy becomes too thick, add warm water gradually.

