Paneer Kofta

Paneer Kofta Recipe - Vegetarian Dish from Punjab

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

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Paneer Kofta is a popular Indian dish made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and potatoes, deep-fried and served in a rich and creamy gravy. This dish is a favorite among vegetarians and is often served at special occasions and festivals.

History

Paneer Kofta has been a part of Indian cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to the Mughal era. The dish was traditionally made with minced meat, but over time, vegetarian versions using paneer became popular. Today, Paneer Kofta is a staple in Indian restaurants and households alike.

Ingredients

Koftas

250 g paneer
3 potatoes (boiled and mashed)
1 tsp coriander and cumin seeds powder
0.25 tsp salt
oil for frying

Gravy

0.5 tsp ginger garlic paste
3 onions
6 – 8 green chillies
0.5 tsp turmeric
100 g cashew nuts
50 g poppy seeds
0.5 cup milk
1 tsp garam masala
1.5 tsp salt
3 tsp butter
4 cup water
1 tsp lemon juice
coriander leaves for garnishing

How to prepare

Grate the paneer and mix it well with the mashed potatoes.
Add the salt, coriander, and cumin seeds powder.
Mix everything well and shape it into round balls.
Heat oil in a pan and deep fry the koftas until they turn golden brown. Set them aside.

Gravy

Soak cashew nuts and khus-khus in lukewarm milk and set them aside for 20 minutes. Then, grind them to a smooth paste along with the milk.
Make a paste of onions and green chillies and set it aside.
Heat a pan and add butter to it.
Add the onion-green chilli paste and ginger-garlic paste. Fry until the oil separates.
Add turmeric powder.
Add the cashew nut paste and fry for 3 minutes on low heat.
Add salt and garam masala to the gravy.
Pour water into the gravy and let it boil for 5 minutes.
Turn off the heat and add lemon juice to it.
Place the koftas into the gravy, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and serve hot.

Variations

You can add vegetables like peas or carrots to the kofta mixture for added texture and flavor.
For a healthier version, you can bake the koftas instead of frying them.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fry the koftas on medium heat to ensure they cook evenly and don't burn.

- You can add a pinch of sugar to the gravy to balance out the flavors.

- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and color.

Serving Suggestions

Paneer Kofta pairs well with steamed rice, naan, or roti. Serve with a side of raita or salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-frying the koftas gives them a crispy exterior and soft interior.

- Slow-cooking the gravy allows the flavors to meld together and develop a rich taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use tofu instead of paneer for a vegan version of this dish.

- Almonds or peanuts can be used instead of cashews for the gravy.

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.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the koftas in a serving dish and pour the gravy over them just before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of garam masala and fresh coriander leaves.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Paneer Kofta with a side of jeera rice, garlic naan, and mango lassi for a complete Indian meal experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Paneer Kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 10g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Paneer Kofta is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

Contains dairy (paneer) and nuts (cashews)

Summary

Paneer Kofta is a rich and indulgent dish that is high in fats and proteins. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Paneer Kofta is a delicious and indulgent Indian dish that is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a flavorful meal. With its creamy gravy and crispy koftas, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Paneer Kofta. It was a hot summer day in my grandmother's kitchen, and the air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of spices and herbs. As I watched her expertly mix the ingredients together, I knew that this was a recipe I had to learn.

My grandmother was a master in the kitchen, and she had acquired her vast knowledge of cooking through years of practice and experimentation. She had learned recipes from various places and people, and she had a knack for combining flavors in a way that was truly magical.

I watched as she grated the paneer, a type of Indian cottage cheese, and mixed it with finely chopped vegetables and a blend of aromatic spices. The mixture was then shaped into small balls and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish.

As I took my first bite of the Paneer Kofta, I was transported to a world of rich, creamy flavors and mouth-watering textures. The paneer was soft and velvety, the vegetables were tender and flavorful, and the spices added a depth of complexity that was truly extraordinary. It was a dish that was both comforting and exotic, familiar yet new.

I asked my grandmother where she had learned to make Paneer Kofta, and she smiled as she recounted the story to me. She told me that she had first tasted the dish at a friend's house many years ago, and she had immediately fallen in love with it. Determined to recreate the recipe at home, she had asked her friend for the secret ingredients and method of preparation.

Her friend had been reluctant to share the recipe at first, but my grandmother's persistence and enthusiasm had finally won her over. She had spent countless hours experimenting in the kitchen, trying out different combinations of ingredients and techniques until she had perfected the recipe.

Over the years, my grandmother had made Paneer Kofta for countless family gatherings and special occasions. It had become a signature dish that everyone looked forward to, and it was always met with rave reviews and requests for seconds.

As I watched my grandmother cook, I realized that there was more to this recipe than just the ingredients and method of preparation. There was a sense of tradition and history that was intertwined with the dish, a story that had been passed down through generations and shared with loved ones.

My grandmother's love for cooking and her dedication to preserving traditional recipes had inspired me to learn more about my own culinary heritage. I made a mental note to ask her for more recipes and stories, to continue the legacy of delicious food and cherished memories that had been handed down to me.

As I savored the last bite of the Paneer Kofta, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart. It was more than just a dish – it was a connection to my past, a link to my grandmother and the generations of cooks who had come before her. And I was grateful for the opportunity to learn from her and carry on the tradition of sharing good food and good company with those I loved.