How to Make Delicious Paneer Kofta with Rich Tomato-Cashew Gravy

Simple Summary

Paneer Kofta with Rich Gravy is a luxurious Indian dish featuring soft cheese dumplings in a creamy, aromatic tomato-based sauce. This vegetarian delicacy is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress with your culinary skills.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Kofta:

• 250g paneer, grated
• 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for deep frying

For the Gravy:

• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 3 medium tomatoes, pureed
• 1/4 cup cashews, soaked and blended
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix grated paneer, mashed potatoes, cornstarch, garam masala, turmeric, and salt. Knead into a smooth dough.

2. Divide the mixture into 12-15 portions and shape them into smooth balls.

3. Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry the kofta balls in batches until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

4. For the gravy, heat ghee in a large pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.

5. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

6. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

7. Add tomato puree, cashew paste, coriander powder, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes until oil starts to separate from the mixture.

8. Pour in water and simmer for 5 minutes. Add cream and garam masala, stirring well.

9. Gently add the fried kofta balls to the gravy. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

10. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

Chef's Notes

• For a healthier version, you can bake the kofta instead of frying. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
• To make the dish vegan, substitute paneer with firm tofu and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
• The kofta can be prepared in advance and frozen. Fry them just before serving for best results.
• Adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding more water if needed.

Nutritional Info

Per serving: Approximately 450 calories. This dish is high in protein from the paneer and cashews, and provides a good source of calcium. The tomato-based gravy offers vitamins A and C, while the spices contribute antioxidants.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Paneer Kofta with Rich Gravy alongside warm naan bread or steamed basmati rice. For a complete meal, pair with a side of cucumber raita and a fresh green salad. This dish is perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. Garnish with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for an extra touch of elegance.