Paneer Kofta Recipe

Creamy Delight Paneer Kofta Recipe.

COOKING

Preeti Sinha

9/30/20232 min read

If you're a fan of Indian cuisine, you're probably no stranger to the rich and flavorful world of koftas. These delectable, deep-fried dumplings are a staple in North Indian cooking and come in various forms. However, one variation that stands out for its creamy, indulgent taste is Paneer Kofta. This vegetarian delight combines the softness of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with a luscious gravy, making it a favorite for both special occasions and everyday dining. Today, we're going to unveil the secrets to making the perfect Paneer Kofta right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Koftas:

  1. 250 grams of paneer (cottage cheese), crumbled

  2. 2-3 tablespoons of cornflour or all-purpose flour

  3. 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder

  4. 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder

  5. Salt to taste

  6. Oil for deep frying

For the Gravy:

  1. 2 onions, finely chopped

  2. 2 tomatoes, pureed

  3. 1/2 cup of cashews, soaked and ground into a paste

  4. 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste

  5. 1/2 cup of fresh cream

  6. 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds

  7. 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder

  8. 1 teaspoon of coriander powder

  9. 1 teaspoon of garam masala

  10. 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder

  11. Salt to taste

  12. 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee

  13. Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

For the Koftas:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled paneer, cornflour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt.

  2. Knead the mixture into a smooth, dough-like consistency. If it's too dry, you can sprinkle a few drops of water.

  3. Divide the mixture into small portions and shape them into round or oval koftas.

  4. Heat oil in a deep pan for frying. Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking.

  5. Deep fry the koftas until they turn golden brown and crisp. Remove them and place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

For the Gravy:

  1. Heat oil or ghee in a separate pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

  2. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.

  3. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw aroma disappears.

  4. Stir in the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate.

  5. Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for a few more minutes.

  6. Add the cashew paste and cook for a few minutes, stirring continuously.

  7. Pour in fresh cream and garam masala. Stir well and let it simmer for a few more minutes.

  8. If the gravy is too thick, you can add some water to achieve the desired consistency.

Assembling:

  1. Just before serving, place the fried koftas in a serving dish.

  2. Pour the hot, creamy gravy over the koftas.

  3. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

To sum up:

Paneer Kofta is a true indulgence for your taste buds. The softness of the paneer combined with the richness of the creamy gravy creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more. Whether you're preparing it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this dish is sure to impress. So, don your chef's hat, gather the ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey to create this brilliant Paneer Kofta recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!