Malai Kofta

As I told you in my last post that I am planning to cook Malai Kofta next, and two days ago my mom and I made some delicious malai kofta.  Good news is that it came out really good...bad news is that it took me 2 hours to make it :P...with few problems but that to discuss later.  I got the recipe from http://www.vahrehvah.com/Malai+Kofta:3262 where they show you the entire process on video.  Again I didn't do everything as it was told and had few variations.  I will post the preps and process that was used in making our Malai Kofta.  Not to make your mouth watery or anything, but here is a snap of the Malai Kofta prepared.

Ingredients:
Vegetables:
- Grated/mashed boiled potatoes (1 cup - 3 potatoes), grated boiled mix vegetables, chopped green chili, chopped cilantro, onions - 1, tomatoes - 3

Spices:
- Cardemom (elaichi - 2), cloves (laving - 2), coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala powder, ginger paste/shredded ginger, garlic paste, red chili powder, jeera, salt, turmeric

Other:
- Oil, cream/yogurt (1/2 cup), cashew/almonds powder (not too crushed), grated paneer (1 cup)

Preparations: 
1) Finely chop cilantro and green chilies. 
2) Shred ginger if you are not using ginger paste 
3) Chop onions and tomatoes to make puree 
4) Boil potatoes
5) Grate Paneer 
6) Boil mixed vegetable and mash/grate them

Kofta Process:
1) Mix grated paneer, grated boiled potatoes, and mix vegetables together.
2) Add some chopped chilies, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, little bit chopped cilantro, little bit salt, add some crushed nuts, and mix everything well.
3) IMP: Make sure there is no moisture in the mixture you just made.  If there is then add some bread crumbs which will take in the moisture and make the mixture firm.  This is where I had trouble because the mixture was soft and when I tried to fry the koftas, the koftas started to break off in the oil :(.  But no worries...that's where my mom came to rescue and she added the bread crumbs in the mixture to make it firm.
4) Make the kofta balls out of the mixture.  Roll the koftas in corn flour or all purpose flour.  Fry them in oil on medium heat and fry until they turn little golden/brownish color. 
5) Keep the koftas aside.

Gravy Process:
1) Make puree from onions and tomatoes and 1/2 green chili.
2) In a pan, add oil and put it on medium heat.  Add Jeera, cardamom, and cloves to the oil. Now here there are two options you can use.  I used procedure A. 

A) Add puree to the oil.  Let it come to the boil.  I used malai kofta ready-made masala from Rasoi Magic.  I added that masala, garam masala powder, chili powder, and salt to the gravy.  If mixture is getting dry, add little bit water (depending on how much gravy you want).
B) Add puree to the oil, add garlic paste, shredded ginger, turmeric, salt, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili power, garam masala powder, and mix everything well.  If mixture is getting dry, then add little bit water (depending on how much gravy you want).
3) Once the gravy comes to boil, add 1/2 cup cream to the gravy.
4) After adding cream, bring the gravy to the boil and then add some cashewnut powder (2-3 spoons). and mix the gravy well.
5) Then add koftas to the gravy and let it cook for another minute or two and put off the heat.
6) Add cilantro on top for garnishing.

And Walaah! You have your malai kofta!!

After making these last two recipes, shahi paneer recipe seems like piece of cake :D.  Well, don't know what I will be making next and when, but hopefully something new soon.  Until then, take care and see ya :).