Vegetable Kofta Curry

Vegetable Kofta Curry
The word kofta is derived from Persian language. In Persian, Kuft means "to beat" or "to grind" and hence Kufta means "beaten" or "ground". Vegetable koftas are fried pakoras (dumplings) in rich cream gravy.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Approx. 12 Koftas

Ingredients:
Bottle guard (Lauki) - 1 peeled and grated
Cabbage - 1/4 grated
Carrots - 3 peeled and grated
Green chilies - 2 finely chopped
Besan (gram flour) - 2 cups
Cumin powder - 1 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1 pinch
Red chili powder - 1 tsp
Salt as per taste
Oil for frying the koftas

For Gravy:
Whole garam masala - 1 tbsp
Onion - 1 (pureed)
Tomato puree - 2 cups
Ginger paste - 1 tbsp
Garlic paste - 1 tbsp
Green chilies - 2 finely chopped
Paneer - 2 tbsp grated
Cashew powder - 1 tbsp
Red chili powder - 1 tbsp
Green chili - 1 tsp (finely chopped)
Heavy whipping cream - 1/2 cup
Olive oil - 2 tbsp
Garam masala powder - 1/2 tsp
Sugar/ Honey - 2 tsp.
Salt as per taste
For Garnish:
Kasoori methi - 1 tbsp

Method:
To make Koftas:

1. In a bowl, add grated cabbage, carrots, bottle guard. Mix well.
2. Now in a large bowl, add besan and all the dry spices for making koftas.
3. Add all the above vegetables to it. Mix well and make a pakora like batter. If it is dry add very little water as grated bottle guard (lauki) makes the batter little watery.
4. In a pan, heat cooing oil and deep fry marble size koftas carefully till they are golden brown in color.
5. Drain and keep aside.

To make Gravy:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan. Add whole garam masala. Let it crackle.
2. Add pureed onions and saute it, till turns light golden. Add ginger paste, garlic paste and chopped green chilies. Cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add tomato puree, red chili powder, garam masala powder and salt.
4. Add grated paneer (2 tbsp) and cashew powder. Bring it to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.Add sugar or honey and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes and gravy is ready.
5. Add koftas to the gravy 10 minutes before serving.

Garnish and Serving suggestions:
Garnish Vegetable kofta curry with fragrant dry kasoori methi. Enjoy with fresh roti, paratha or steamed basmati rice.

Note: You can buy all Indian Spices and ingredients at Amazon.com or ebay.