Stuffed Paneer Kofta Curry

Stuffed Paneer Kofta Curry is a rich and flavorful dish that brings together the creaminess of paneer and the aromatic spices of Indian cuisine. This dish consists of soft koftas filled with a delicious stuffing and simmered in a luscious gravy, making it a perfect choice for festive occasions or a special family meal. In this recipe, you will learn how to create the perfect Stuffed Paneer Kofta Curry from scratch, with detailed instructions on preparing the koftas, the stuffing, and the savory curry that ties it all together.

Stuffed paneer Kofta Ingredients

For the Kofta:

250 grams paneer (cottage cheese)
2 medium-sized potatoes (boiled and mashed)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (maida)
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
Oil for frying

For the Stuffing:

100 grams paneer (grated)
2 tablespoons finely chopped coriander leaves
2 tablespoons finely chopped green chilies
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)

For the Curry:

2 tablespoons oil or ghee
1 medium-sized onion (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
2 medium-sized tomatoes (pureed)
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1 cup cream or cashew paste (for a vegan option)
2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves (for garnish)
Water as needed

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing

In a mixing bowl, combine the grated paneer, chopped coriander leaves, chopped green chilies, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
Set the stuffing aside while you prepare the kofta mixture.

Step 2: Make the Kofta Mixture

In a large bowl, crumble the paneer and add the mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix everything until you achieve a smooth dough-like consistency.
Divide the mixture into small balls, roughly the size of a golf ball.

Step 3: Stuff the Kofta

Take one ball of the paneer mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm.
Place a small amount of the prepared stuffing in the center and carefully fold the edges over to encase the stuffing, rolling it back into a smooth ball.
Repeat this process for all the koftas.

Step 4: Fry the Koftas

Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
Carefully drop the stuffed koftas into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until they are golden brown and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the koftas from the oil and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 5: Prepare the Curry

In a separate pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
Stir in the tomato puree and cook until the oil begins to separate from the mixture, about 5-7 minutes.
Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook the spices for another minute, ensuring they are well incorporated.
Pour in the cream or cashew paste and mix thoroughly. Add water to achieve your desired gravy consistency, then bring it to a gentle simmer.
Add the fried koftas to the curry and let them soak in the flavors for about 5-10 minutes on low heat. This allows the koftas to absorb the rich flavors of the gravy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the koftas have absorbed the flavors, remove the pan from the heat.
Garnish the Stuffed Paneer Kofta Curry with chopped coriander leaves.
Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice for a complete meal.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make Stuffed Paneer Kofta Curry ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the koftas and curry separately in advance. Store the koftas in the refrigerator and fry them just before serving to keep them crispy. The curry can be made a few hours ahead and reheated when needed.

Q2: Can I make the koftas healthier?

Absolutely! You can bake the koftas instead of frying them. To do this, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), arrange the stuffed koftas on a baking sheet, and lightly brush them with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Q3: What can I use instead of paneer?

If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can substitute paneer with tofu. For the stuffing, use a mixture of grated tofu and vegetables or nuts.

Q4: How can I make the curry spicier?

To increase the spice level, add more green chilies or red chili powder according to your taste preference. You can also include a pinch of crushed black pepper or a dash of cayenne pepper.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Stuffed Paneer Kofta Curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Q6: Can I use frozen koftas?

Yes, you can freeze the prepared koftas before frying. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Fry them directly from frozen when ready to use, increasing the cooking time slightly.

Q7: What sides pair well with this dish?

Stuffed Paneer Kofta Curry pairs wonderfully with naan, roti, or steamed rice. You can also serve it with a side of raita or a simple salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed Paneer Kofta Curry is not just a meal; it’s an experience that can elevate any dining occasion. Here are some suggestions for serving this delightful dish to enhance your meal:

Accompaniments: Pair your kofta curry with a variety of Indian bread such as naan, roti, or paratha. These breads are perfect for scooping up the rich gravy and adding to the overall enjoyment of the dish. You can also serve it with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice for a comforting combination.
Raita: To balance the richness of the curry, serve a refreshing side of cucumber or boondi raita. The coolness of the yogurt-based dish complements the spices of the curry beautifully.
Salad: A simple salad of sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumber can add a refreshing crunch and contrast to the creamy kofta curry. You can also add a sprinkle of lemon juice for extra zest.
Pickles and Chutneys: Include a variety of Indian pickles or mint-coriander chutney on the side. The tangy and spicy flavors will enhance the overall meal experience.
Garnishing: For a touch of elegance, drizzle some fresh cream on top of the curry before serving, and sprinkle a few slivers of almonds or cashews. Fresh coriander leaves can also add a vibrant color and aroma to the dish.
Beverages: Pair your meal with traditional Indian beverages such as mango lassi or sweetened chaas (buttermilk). These drinks can provide a delightful balance to the meal and complement the spices in the curry.

By considering these serving suggestions, you can create a memorable dining experience around your Stuffed Paneer Kofta Curry, impressing your family and friends with a complete Indian feast! Enjoy the celebration of flavors and textures that this dish brings to your table and for more such recipes visit https://ucalorie.com/category/healthy-easy-recipes/global-flavors/