Paneer Kofta Recipe: This is a North Indian cuisine featuring paneer kofta in a tomato-based gravy. Whether you’re seeking a snack or a sumptuous meal, this easy-to-follow recipe will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Paneer Kofta Recipe Ingredients
for Kofta:
- 200 grams Paneer (cottage cheese), grated
- 2 medium Potatoes, boiled, peeled, and grated
- 1 Green Chilli, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon grated Ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped Coriander Leaves
- 1½ tablespoons Corn Flour
- 6-8 Cashew nuts, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Oil for deep frying
for Gravy:
- 3 medium Tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Cashew nuts, soaked in water for 20 mins
- 2 teaspoons crushed Garlic-Ginger
- 1 Green Chilli, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped or grated
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- 2 Cloves
- 1/2 inch piece of Cinnamon Stick
- 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Garam Masala Powder
- 1½ teaspoons Coriander Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- 2 tablespoons Oil
- 3/4 cup Water
- Salt to taste
Directions for Making Paneer Kofta Recipe:
- In a large bowl, grated potatoes, corn flour, combine grated paneer, green chilli, ginger, coriander leaves, lemon juice, and salt.
- Mix well to form a smooth mixture.
- Grease your palms with oil and divide the mixture into six-eight equal portions. Flatten each portion slightly, place 2-3 pieces of chopped cashew nuts in the center, and shape them into balls.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Deep fry the stuffed balls until golden brown and crisp. Drain and set aside.
Directions for Making Tomato-based Gravy:
- Blanch tomatoes, then puree them. Grind soaked cashew nuts with water to make a paste.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, cloves, and cinnamon. Saute for about 30 seconds.
- Add crushed garlic-ginger and sauté briefly, then add chopped green chilli and onion. Cook until onion turns light brown.
- Add tomato puree and cook until oil starts to separate.
- Stir in cashew nut paste, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, sugar, and salt. Cook for a minute.
- Add kasuri methi and water. Simmer the gravy for 4-5 minutes.
- Add the fried stuffed balls, mix well, and turn off the heat.
- Transfer the paneer kofta curry to a serving bowl, garnish with grated paneer, and serve hot.
Paneer Kofta Recipe Tips and Variations:
- Fry only 3-4 stuffed balls at a time to prevent them from breaking.
- Corn flour acts as a binding agent for the koftas. as a substitute You can use arrowroot.
- Poppy seeds or watermelon seeds can be used instead of cashew nuts for a creamy paste.
- Be cautious when frying the stuffed balls to avoid hot oil spills.
Taste: Delicately spicy with a mild sweetness.
Serving Ideas: Enjoy as a standalone snack with tomato sauce or green chutney, or serve the paneer koftas in tomato gravy as a main curry with Indian breads like paratha, roti, butter naan, or steamed rice for lunch or dinner.
Conclusion:
Paneer Kofta Recipe in Tomato Gravy is a delicious and comforting dish that showcases the rich flavors of Indian cuisine. By following the provided recipe and tips, you can easily recreate this classic dish at home to impress your family and friends. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a special treat during festive occasions, Paneer Kofta is sure to delight your taste buds with its creamy texture and aromatic spices.
FAQs about Paneer Kofta Recipe
What is Paneer Kofta in Tomato Gravy?
Paneer Kofta in Tomato Gravy is a classic Punjabi dish consisting of paneer (cottage cheese) balls stuffed with nuts, served in a flavorful tomato-based gravy.
How is Paneer Kofta different from regular Kofta?
Paneer Kofta is made with paneer (cottage cheese) as the main ingredient, giving it a creamy texture and distinct flavor, whereas regular kofta may use meat, vegetables, or lentils as the base.
Can I make Paneer Kofta in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the paneer koftas in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat them gently in the tomato gravy.
Is Paneer Kofta suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Paneer Kofta is a vegetarian dish as it contains paneer (cottage cheese) and other vegetarian ingredients.
What can I serve with Paneer Kofta in Tomato Gravy?
Paneer Kofta pairs well with Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha, as well as steamed rice. It can also be enjoyed as a standalone dish with some yogurt or raita on the side.
