Lucknowi Koftas
Lucknowi Koftas Recipe - Vegetarian Indian Dish
Vegetarian dietIntroduction
Lucknowi Koftas are a delicious and flavorful dish that originated in the city of Lucknow, India. These koftas are made with a combination of potatoes, spinach, fenugreek, and coriander, which are then deep-fried to perfection and served in a rich and creamy gravy. This dish is a popular choice for special occasions and gatherings due to its rich and indulgent flavors.
History
The recipe for Lucknowi Koftas has been passed down through generations in Lucknow, a city known for its rich culinary heritage. The dish is believed to have originated in the royal kitchens of the Nawabs of Lucknow, who were known for their extravagant feasts and love for rich and flavorful dishes. Lucknowi Koftas have since become a staple in North Indian cuisine and are enjoyed by people all over the world.
Ingredients
Koftas
- 250 g potatoes, boiled, peeled and mashed
- 1 cup spinach (palak), washed and chopped
- 0.5 cup methi (fenugreek), washed and chopped
- 0.5 cup coriander, washed and chopped
- salt to taste
- juice of 1 lime
- 0.5 cup corn flour or besan (gram flour)
- 0.25 tsp red chilli powder
- oil for frying
Gravy
How to prepare
Koftas
- Mix all the ingredients of koftas together and divide into equal portions. Shape into long rolls and deep-fry until golden in color.
- Drain onto an absorbent paper and set aside.
Gravy
- Heat oil in a pan and fry chopped onions until golden brown.
Spice paste
- Grind the spice paste ingredients to a paste.
- Add the spice paste ingredients and stir-fry for a few minutes.
- Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, sugar, and salt.
- Stir-fry for a few seconds.
- Stir in tomato puree and cook on high heat, stirring continuously until oil begins to separate.
- Now add yogurt, milk, and cream. Cook, stirring continuously, until oil begins to separate.
- Add 1 cup of water and bring to a boil.
- Simmer and cook for 5 – 10 minutes or until desired consistency.
- Just before eating, place the fried koftas in a serving dish and pour the hot gravy over them. Serve immediately, garnished with garam masala powder and chopped coriander.
Variations
- You can add paneer or tofu to the kofta mixture for a different texture.
- For a spicier version, add more red chili powder or green chilies to the gravy.
- You can also add cashew paste to the gravy for a richer flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to fry the koftas until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- To make the gravy extra creamy, you can add a little more cream or milk.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by adding more or less green chilies.
- For a healthier version, you can bake the koftas instead of deep-frying them.
Serving Suggestions
Lucknowi Koftas can be served with steamed rice, naan, or roti. They pair well with a side of raita or salad.
Cooking Techniques
Deep-frying the koftas until golden brown.
- Cooking the gravy on high heat until the oil separates.
- Simmering the gravy with water to achieve the desired consistency.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use sweet potatoes or yams instead of regular potatoes.
- Cashew paste can be used instead of almonds in the spice paste.
- Coconut milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to cream and milk.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the koftas and gravy ahead of time and assemble them just before serving. Store the koftas and gravy separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the Lucknowi Koftas with a sprinkle of garam masala powder and chopped coriander for a pop of color and flavor. Serve them in a decorative serving dish for an elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Lucknowi Koftas pair well with a side of jeera rice, garlic naan, or tandoori roti. A refreshing cucumber raita or mint chutney can also be served on the side.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Lucknowi Koftas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories per serving: 350
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 35g per serving
Fats
Fats: 20g per serving
Proteins
Proteins: 8g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and Minerals: Lucknowi Koftas are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium.
Alergens
Allergens: Contains nuts (almonds) and dairy (cream, milk, yogurt)
Summary
Lucknowi Koftas are a rich and indulgent dish that is high in carbohydrates and fats. They are a good source of proteins and vitamins, making them a satisfying and nutritious meal option.
Summary
Lucknowi Koftas are a decadent and flavorful dish that is perfect for special occasions and gatherings. With a rich and creamy gravy and crispy koftas, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the flavors of Lucknow with this delicious recipe!
How did I get this recipe?
I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Lucknowi Koftas. It was a hot summer day in Lucknow, India, and I had just finished browsing through the bustling markets of Chowk. The aroma of spices filled the air as I wandered through the narrow streets, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city.
As I made my way back to my hotel, I came across a small, unassuming shop tucked away in a corner of the market. The sign above the door read "Khan's Kebabs and Koftas." Intrigued, I decided to step inside and see what this place had to offer.
The shop was dimly lit, with a row of clay tandoors lining one wall and a large copper pot bubbling away on a stove in the corner. The owner, an elderly man with a twinkle in his eye, greeted me warmly and invited me to sit down at one of the wooden tables scattered around the room.
As I settled in, I noticed a young woman in the back of the shop meticulously shaping meatballs with her hands. Intrigued, I asked the owner what she was making. He smiled and told me that she was preparing Lucknowi Koftas, a traditional dish from the region that was famous for its rich, creamy gravy and tender meatballs.
Intrigued, I asked the owner if he would be willing to share his recipe with me. He chuckled and said that the recipe was a closely guarded secret, passed down through generations of his family. However, he could see the curiosity in my eyes and offered to teach me how to make the dish myself.
Over the next few hours, I watched as the owner and his daughter worked together to create the most delicious koftas I had ever tasted. The meatballs were made with a blend of minced lamb, onions, ginger, garlic, and a secret mix of spices that gave them a unique flavor unlike anything I had ever experienced.
As the koftas simmered in a fragrant gravy of tomatoes, cream, and more spices, the owner shared stories of his family's history in Lucknow and their love for cooking. He spoke of how the recipe had been passed down from his grandmother, who had learned it from her mother before her.
By the time the koftas were ready to serve, I felt like I had been welcomed into their family and had gained a deeper appreciation for the art of cooking. The dish was a triumph of flavors and textures, with the tender meatballs melting in my mouth and the rich gravy warming my soul.
Before I left the shop, the owner presented me with a handwritten copy of the recipe for Lucknowi Koftas. He told me that it was a gift from his family to mine, a way of passing on a piece of their culinary heritage to be cherished and shared with generations to come.
Now, whenever I make Lucknowi Koftas in my own kitchen, I am transported back to that hot summer day in Lucknow, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of a city steeped in history and tradition. And as I serve the dish to my family and friends, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.
Categories
| Almond Recipes | Awadhi Vegetarian | Chickpea Flour Recipes | Fenugreek Recipes | Garam Masala Recipes | Indian Recipes | Lime Recipes | Poppy Seed Recipes | Potato Recipes | Spinach Recipes |