Malai Kofta, a North Indian specialty, is celebrated for its luxurious and creamy flavor that combines the richness of paneer and potatoes with a sumptuous gravy. This reimagined version takes a contemporary twist, incorporating sweet potatoes for a subtle sweetness and spinach for an earthy depth, all enveloped in a velvety coconut-cashew gravy. This dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, from the crispy exterior of the koftas to the smooth, indulgent sauce that speaks to the heart of Indian culinary traditions while inviting a modern palate.

Ingredients

Serving Size

• Serves 4

From Your Pantry

• 2 large Sweet Potatoes
• 1 cup Spinach, finely chopped
• 1 cup Coconut Milk
• 1/2 cup Cashews
• 1/2 cup Bread Crumbs
• 4 tablespoons Cooking Oil
• 1 tablespoon Garam Masala
• Salt, to taste

Additional Grocery Items Needed

• 1/2 cup Paneer, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon Ginger-Garlic Paste
• 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 Onion, finely chopped
• 2 Tomatoes, pureed
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
• Fresh Cilantro, for garnish
• Edible Flowers, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

1. Begin by boiling the sweet potatoes until tender. Peel and mash them in a large bowl.
2. To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the finely chopped spinach, crumbled paneer, bread crumbs, and a teaspoon of salt. Mix well and form into small balls.
3. Heat oil in a pan and fry the kofta balls until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
4. For the gravy, heat a tablespoon of oil in the same pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
5. Add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, and pureed tomatoes. Cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
6. Blend the cashews into a fine paste with a little water and add it to the pan, along with coconut milk. Bring to a simmer.
7. Add garam masala and salt to the gravy and cook for another 5 minutes. Then, gently stir in the heavy cream for an extra silky texture.
8. Add the fried kofta balls to the gravy just before serving, allowing them to soak in the flavors for a few minutes.

Expert Tips

• For an extra crispy kofta, you can roll the balls in bread crumbs before frying.
• If the gravy is too thick, add a little water or coconut milk to achieve the desired consistency.
• For a vegan version, replace paneer with tofu and heavy cream with coconut cream.

Serving Suggestions

Complement this dish with a side of fragrant basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the delicious gravy. A refreshing cucumber raita or a tangy mint chutney can add a cool contrast to the rich flavors of the malai kofta. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and edible flowers for a visually stunning presentation that elevates the entire dining experience.

Nutrition Facts per Serving

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 8g

Allergens: Cashews, Paneer (Milk), Bread Crumbs (Gluten), Heavy Cream (Milk)

We encourage you to share this recipe with your friends and family, and don't be afraid to experiment with your own variations. Whether it's adjusting the spice levels or adding different vegetables to the kofta, make this dish uniquely yours. Cooking is a journey of discovery, and every twist brings a new delight to the table.