Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsMother IndiaMalai Kofta Recipe

Malai Kofta Recipe

Inspired by Mother India
Time50m
Serves4

A true Mughlai delight - balls of freshly minced vegetables simmered in cardamom, saffron, garlic, cashews, almonds, and light cream sauce.

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Ingredients

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Kofta Balls

Malai Sauce

Method

Kofta Preparation

  1. 1

    Mix the Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, grated paneer, chopped spinach, chopped carrot, chopped cashews, chopped almonds, garam masala, salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

  2. 2

    Form the Kofta Balls

    Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a round ball, about the size of a golf ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used.

  3. 3

    Fry the Kofta

    Heat the oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the kofta balls in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Malai Sauce Preparation

  1. 4

    Heat Oil

    In a separate pan, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.

  2. 5

    Sauté Onions

    Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it turns golden brown.

  3. 6

    Add Ginger-Garlic Paste

    Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears.

  4. 7

    Incorporate Tomato Puree

    Add the tomato puree to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the oil starts to separate.

  5. 8

    Make the Sauce Creamy

    Stir in the heavy cream, ground cardamom, saffron threads, sugar, and salt. Add water to adjust the consistency of the sauce, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

  6. 9

    Combine Kofta with Sauce

    Carefully add the fried kofta balls into the sauce. Gently coat them with the sauce and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

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