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Kofta Curry (Meatball curry) Recipe

Kofta Curry (Meatball curry) Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 17 reviews

Kofta Curry is a rich and flavorful Indian meatball curry featuring tender beef meatballs simmered in a spiced tomato and yogurt sauce infused with aromatic herbs and spices. This dish pairs perfectly with rice or flatbreads like naan or roti, offering a comforting and hearty meal with a beautiful balance of savory and mildly spicy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Koftas (Meatballs):

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, grated
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 tablespoons panko bread crumbs (or 2 tablespoons chickpea flour)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon chopped mint (or 1 teaspoon dry mint)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala (or tikka masala)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or red chili powder)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (use a bit more if needed)

For the Curry Sauce:

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons ginger garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (or paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt (adjust per taste)
  • 1 chili pepper, chopped (jalapeno, cayenne, or serrano)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1½ cups crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup whole yogurt, whipped
  • 2 tablespoons fenugreek leaves (fresh chopped or 1 tablespoon dried)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)
  • Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Meatball Mixture: Combine all kofta ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Knead well for 3-4 minutes until thoroughly mixed and let the mixture rest to develop flavors.
  2. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 16 smooth, cylindrical or round koftas. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for cooking.
  3. Cook Meatballs: Broil the koftas on high heat for about 3 to 5 minutes per side until they are browned but not fully cooked. Alternatively, grill them. They will finish cooking in the curry sauce.
  4. Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a cooking pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 7-10 minutes.
  5. Add Spices and Aromatics: Stir in ginger garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and salt. Mix well to coat the onions and release the spices’ fragrance.
  6. Add Tomatoes and Chili: Add chopped chili pepper, tomato paste, and stir for 2 minutes. Then add crushed tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Incorporate Yogurt and Fenugreek: Stir in whipped yogurt thoroughly, then fold in fenugreek leaves for their distinctive, slightly bitter flavor that balances the dish.
  8. Simmer Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of water and stir. Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 20 minutes, until oil begins to surface on top. Use a blender for a smoother sauce if desired.
  9. Add Koftas to Sauce: Gently add the partially cooked meatballs into the curry sauce. Adjust seasoning and add water if the sauce is too thick.
  10. Cook Final Simmer: Increase heat to medium-high until the curry bubbles, then reduce to low and simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes so the koftas finish cooking and absorb the flavors.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Scatter chopped cilantro over the curry and optionally drizzle with heavy cream or extra whipped yogurt for richness. Serve hot with steamed rice or flatbreads.

Notes

  • You can substitute panko bread crumbs with chickpea flour to make the koftas gluten-free.
  • Fenugreek leaves add a unique flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Broiling times may vary by oven; cook koftas until browned but not fully cooked.
  • The sauce can be blended for a smoother texture if preferred.
  • Adjust chili quantity based on your heat preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kofta curry, meatball curry, Indian meatballs, beef koftas, spiced meatball curry, Indian main dish

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/kofta-curry-meatball-curry-recipe/