Chicken Koftas with Mint Yoghurt

Chicken Koftas with Mint Yoghurt Recipe from India

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Koftas with Mint Yoghurt is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines juicy minced chicken with a blend of spices and herbs, served with a refreshing mint yoghurt sauce. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or a weekend meal with family and friends.

History

Chicken Koftas with Mint Yoghurt is a popular dish in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Koftas are meatballs or meatloaves that are typically made with minced meat, spices, and herbs. The addition of mint yoghurt sauce adds a cooling and tangy element to the dish, balancing out the flavors.

Ingredients

Koftas

750 g minced chicken
30 ml / 2 tbsp fresh chopped mint
10 ml / 2 tsp of fresh grated ginger
5 ml / 1 tsp of ground coriander
2.5 ml / 0.5 tsp garam masala
5 ml / 1 tsp of hot chilli powder
60 ml of natural yoghurt
3 tbsp of ghee (clarified butter)

Sauce

2 onions sliced
2 cloves of garlic
2.5 ml / 0.5 tsp of cardamom
5 ml / 1 tsp of garam masala
5 ml / 1 tsp of turmeric
5 ml / 1 tsp of cumin seeds
15 ml / 1 tbsp of tomato purée
2 tomatoes chopped
2 small aubergines, chopped
2 chillies, chopped
250 ml of chicken stock
15 ml / 1 tbsp or coriander leaves

To finish the dish

30 ml / 2 tbsp of natural yoghurt
15 ml / 1 tbsp of mint leaves, shredded

How to prepare

In a bowl, mix together the chicken mince, mint, ginger, coriander, garam masala, chilli powder, and yoghurt.
Shape the mixture into ovals or sausage shapes.
If the mixture is too moist and doesn't hold its shape, add a little flour.
Place the koftas on a tray and refrigerate.
Heat half of the ghee in a large pan and cook the koftas until they are browned all over.
Drain the koftas on kitchen paper.
Heat the remaining ghee in the same pan and cook the onions, garlic, cardamom, garam masala, turmeric, and cumin, stirring until the onions are lightly browned.
Add the tomato purée, tomatoes, aubergine, and chillies. Cook with a lid for a further 15 – 20 minutes, then remove the lid and add the koftas. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Just before serving, mix together the mint and yoghurt. Spoon the koftas into a bowl and top with the mint yoghurt. Serve with rice.

Variations

:
Use lamb or beef mince instead of chicken for a different flavor.
Add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the kofta mixture for added texture.
Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

- Make sure to refrigerate the shaped koftas before cooking to help them hold their shape.

- If the kofta mixture is too moist, add a little flour to help bind it together.

- Cook the koftas until they are browned all over for the best flavor and texture.

- The mint yoghurt sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Koftas with Mint Yoghurt with steamed rice or naan bread for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

- Shaping the koftas: Use wet hands to shape the kofta mixture into ovals or sausage shapes for even cooking.

- Browning the koftas: Cook the koftas in batches to ensure they are browned all over and cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

- Substitute Greek yoghurt for natural yoghurt in the mint sauce for a thicker consistency.

- Use ground chicken instead of minced chicken for a smoother texture in the koftas.

Make Ahead Tips

- Prepare the kofta mixture and shape the koftas ahead of time, then refrigerate until ready to cook.

- Make the mint yoghurt sauce in advance and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

: - Serve Chicken Koftas with Mint Yoghurt in a decorative bowl or platter for an elegant presentation. - Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or cumin powder for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

- Pair Chicken Koftas with Mint Yoghurt with a side of cucumber salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

- Serve with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing mint lemonade for a refreshing drink.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

- Store any leftover Chicken Koftas with Mint Yoghurt in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Koftas with Mint Yoghurt contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Koftas with Mint Yoghurt contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Koftas with Mint Yoghurt contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Koftas with Mint Yoghurt contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Koftas with Mint Yoghurt is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yoghurt) and may contain gluten if flour is added to the kofta mixture.

Summary

Chicken Koftas with Mint Yoghurt is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Koftas with Mint Yoghurt is a delicious and aromatic dish that combines juicy minced chicken with a blend of spices and herbs, served with a refreshing mint yoghurt sauce. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or a weekend meal with family and friends. Enjoy the flavors of Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine with this flavorful and satisfying dish.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious cooking, had invited a group of friends over for dinner. As they sat around the table, laughing and chatting, I watched in awe as my grandmother effortlessly whipped up dish after dish, each one more mouthwatering than the last.

One of the guests, a traveling merchant from Turkey, had brought with him a recipe for Chicken Koftas with Mint Yoghurt. I had never heard of such a dish before, but as soon as I saw the ingredients and heard the description, I knew I had to learn how to make it.

The merchant, a kindly man with a twinkle in his eye, took me under his wing and showed me how to prepare the koftas. We ground the chicken with fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, forming the mixture into small, round balls. Then, we cooked them in a rich tomato and onion sauce until they were tender and juicy.

As we sat down to eat, I watched as my guests took their first bite of the Chicken Koftas with Mint Yoghurt. Their eyes widened in delight, and they showered me with compliments on my cooking skills. From that moment on, I was hooked.

I spent countless hours in the kitchen, perfecting the recipe for Chicken Koftas with Mint Yoghurt. I experimented with different spice blends, tweaking the ratios until I found the perfect balance of flavors. I tried out various cooking techniques, from grilling the koftas on skewers to simmering them in a creamy yogurt sauce. And each time I served the dish to my family and friends, I watched as their faces lit up with joy.

Over the years, I made the recipe my own, adding my own twist to it. I started using fresh mint and cilantro in the yogurt sauce, giving it a bright, herbaceous flavor that complemented the spiced koftas perfectly. I also started serving the dish with fluffy basmati rice and warm, pillowy naan, creating a complete meal that was both comforting and satisfying.

As I grew older, I passed the recipe for Chicken Koftas with Mint Yoghurt down to my own children and grandchildren. I taught them how to grind the spices, form the koftas, and cook them to perfection. And as they carried on the tradition, adding their own touches and variations to the dish, I knew that the recipe would live on for generations to come.

To this day, whenever I make Chicken Koftas with Mint Yoghurt, I am transported back to that moment in my grandmother's kitchen, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling village. And as I take that first bite, savoring the familiar flavors and memories, I am filled with a sense of pride and gratitude for the culinary heritage that has been passed down to me.

In the end, it is not just about the recipe itself, but the stories and memories that come with it. And for that, I am eternally grateful.