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A restaurant‑style Indian vegetarian main course featuring soft paneer‑potato koftas fried to golden perfection and served in a rich, aromatic white cashew‑cream gravy. The recipe includes detailed steps for the kofta mixture, frying technique, and a silky gravy that can be made ahead for a stress‑free dinner.
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Everything you need to know about this recipe
Malai Kofta originated in the royal kitchens of North India, where rich dairy‑based dishes were prized. It became a staple in festive meals and restaurant menus because the soft paneer‑potato dumplings symbolize indulgence and hospitality.
In Punjab, the kofta is often served in a thick tomato‑onion gravy, while in Delhi it may appear in a milder white cashew‑cream sauce like this recipe. Some regions add paneer‑filled koftas, and others incorporate grated carrots or peas for extra texture.
It is typically presented in a shallow bowl, topped with a drizzle of fresh cream, chopped coriander, raisins, and toasted cashew pieces, and served alongside hot naan, lachha paratha, or steamed basmati rice.
Malai Kofta is a favorite for festivals such as Diwali, Eid, and wedding feasts because its rich flavor and elegant appearance suit special occasions.
The combination of paneer and potato creates a melt‑in‑the‑mouth texture, while the white cashew‑cream gravy provides a luxurious, subtly spiced backdrop that distinguishes it from tomato‑based curries.
Common errors include over‑mixing the kofta mixture, using hot potatoes (which release excess starch), frying at the wrong oil temperature, and letting the koftas sit too long in the gravy, which makes them soggy.
Corn flour adds a light, crisp coating without gluten, helping the koftas stay tender inside while achieving a golden exterior. Wheat flour can make the coating heavier and affect the texture.
Yes. Shape the koftas and refrigerate them uncovered for up to 24 hours, then fry just before serving. The gravy can be prepared a day ahead, cooled, and reheated gently on the stove.
The koftas should develop a uniform golden‑brown crust, be firm to the touch, and remain soft and slightly fluffy inside. They should float to the surface of the oil shortly after being placed in the pan.
The gravy is ready when it thickens to a silky, pourable consistency, the raw cashew taste disappears, and a faint aroma of roasted nuts and spices fills the kitchen—usually after 10‑12 minutes of gentle simmering.
The YouTube channel Unknown focuses on Indian home‑cooking tutorials, sharing traditional recipes with step‑by‑step guidance and tips for recreating restaurant‑style dishes in a home kitchen.
Channel Unknown emphasizes detailed explanations of each technique, such as proper grating, oil temperature control, and spice roasting, while many other channels provide quicker overviews. This thorough style helps viewers achieve authentic restaurant‑quality results.
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