Paneer or Cottage cheese is a acid set cheese got from cow or buffalo milk. It is a non- aged cheese made by curdling milk, disposing the whey, and collecting the fat, which is paneer. It is a rich source of milk protein. Paneer was introduced to India by the Persian and Afghan rulers in the 16th century, it is said. Paneer is a rich source of Calcium, iron, Mangesium, and also makes one feel full for longer.
Paneer is a savior in many ways than one. Do you agree? You want something easy-paneer to the rescue, or want something special for a get together-paneer to the rescue. Paneer is a regularly stocked item in my fridge. Sometimes I do make Paneer at home also, but that is not very frequent. Makhni gravy is a very subtly flavoured base, and while I have a Dal Makhni on the blog, it is but a must to have a Paneer Makhni or Paneer Makhanwala. A few whole spices make a world of difference in terms of flavour and you get the restaurant effect in the gravy.
In this recipe the idea is to go liberal on the butter to get the perfect taste. In my usual paneer recipes you will find that I would have used either cashewnuts or cream, or even none at all. But this dish has both cream and cashewnuts thus making it special and rich. Something you will want to make for an occasion, or to cook for a loved one.
Directions: In a pan add all the ingredients mentioned under “ingredients to be ground”, and cook until the onions are transparent and the tomatoes are mushy. Cool and grind to a fine paste. Now in the same pan, add the butter and let it melt. Add the bay leaf, followed by the ground paste, salt, red chilli powder(both regular and kashmiri), and stir. Cook on medium heat, stirring every now and then. Cover partially and cook until you see the butter releasing on the sides. Now pour 1 to 1.5 cups water to dilute the gravy, add the sugar and stir. Now add the cream, and mix well. Drop in the paneer cubes and let the gravy simmer on low flame for 5 minutes or until the gravy thickens. Finally, add the garam masala powder, and kasoori methi and switch off the flame. Serve hot with Parathas, Pulav, Biryani, Puri or Rotis.
STEPWISE RECIPE FOLLOWS:
1. In a pan add all the ingredients mentioned under “ingredients to be ground”, and cook until the onions are transparent and the tomatoes are mushy. Cool and grind to a fine paste.
2. Now in the same pan, add the butter and let it melt. Add the bay leaf, followed by the ground paste, salt, red chilli powder(both regular and kashmiri), and stir.
3. Cook on medium heat, stirring every now and then. Cover partially and cook until you see the butter releasing on the sides.
4. Now pour 1 to 1.5 cups water to dilute the gravy, add the sugar and stir. Now add the cream, and mix well. Drop in the paneer cubes and let the gravy simmer on low flame for 5 minutes or until the gravy thickens.
5. Finally, add the garam masala powder, and kasoori methi and switch off the flame. Serve hot with Parathas, Pulav, Biryani, Puri or Rotis.
NOTES:
1. The key to the perfect restaurant like taste is the butter, as the name suggests. Be liberal with it.
2. This recipe can be made without onion too. Just skip adding the onions and continue as per directions.
3. I would suggest serving this dish with a subtle pulav , rice or roti to enjoy the flavours of this dish. As it is mildly flavoured.
4. While cooking the gravy, the butter releasing from the sides is a key step. Refer step 3, picture 4.
Here’s how I served the Paneer Makhanwala with a Baby Corn pulav
If you tried this recipe and liked it please comment below. I would love to hear from you. If you have a query about the recipe email us and ill respond as soon as I can.
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Rasakalan
Rasakalan is a traditional mixed vegetable dish from the Palakkad cuisine. The dish is so rustic and delicious and very easy to make. It is great to go with hot rice or can be served on the sides with Dosa or Idli. The vegetables mostly used in this dish are Ash gourd, Sweet potato, pumpkin, that are cooked in a tangy tamarind sauce and then a flavourful coconut masala paste is added. It is the paste that makes all the difference. Finally the seasoning in coconut oil enhances the flavours of the dish and takes it to a different level.
In our family my aunt makes this the best, so this recipe has been adapted from her instructions. This recipe allows you to customize the vegetables as per your liking. I have used a mix of Ash gourd, Capsicum, Carrot, Beans and Potatoes.
Tamarind paste 1 tbsp or soak gooseberry size tamarind ball and extract pulp appx 1.5 cup
Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
Salt as required
Coconut 2 tbsp
Green chillies 2
Dry red chillies 4 (or depending on spice choice)
Jaggery 1 tsp
Coconut oil or refined oil 1/2 tbsp
Mustard seeds 1 tsp
Chana dal ( gram dal) 1/2 tbsp
Asafoetida 1/2 tsp
Dry red chilli broken 1
Curry leaves a few
Directions:
In a pan add the tamarind paste plus 2 cups water or tamarind pulp 1.5 cups and switch on the flame. Add turmeric powder and salt followed by chopped vegetables and cook until the vegetables are done. The vegetables should be well cooked but firm. Overcooking may ruin the taste of the dish. When the vegetables are cooked grind the coconut, green chillies, dry red chillies to a smooth paste adding a little water. Pour this paste into the vegetable and tamarind gravy and cook further for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the gravy comes together. Put off the flame. In a tempering Kadai take some coconut oil or any oil of our choice and heat. Add mustard seeds, when they crackle add the gram dal, asafoetida and curry leaves. Add this tempering to the cooked curry. The delicious Rasakalan is ready to serve. Enjoy with hot rice or with Dosa, pongal or upma.
STEPWISE RECIPE FOLLOWS:
1. In a pan add the tamarind paste plus 2 cups water or tamarind pulp 1.5 cups and switch on the flame. Add turmeric powder and salt followed by chopped vegetables and cook until the vegetables are done.
2. When the vegetables are cooked grind the coconut, green chillies, dry red chillies to a smooth paste adding a little water.
3. Pour this paste into the vegetable and tamarind gravy and cook further for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the gravy comes together. Add the jaggery and put off the flame.
4. In a tempering Kadai take some coconut oil or any oil of our choice and heat. Add mustard seeds, when they crackle add the gram dal, asafoetida and curry leaves. Add this tempering to the cooked curry. The delicious Rasakalan is ready to serve. Enjoy with hot rice or with Dosa, pongal or upma.
NOTES:
1. As said earlier the vegetables can be customized to ones liking, keeping the vegetables traditional and Indian helps in retaining the traditional taste.
2. Using coconut oil enhances the taste, but any other oil of preference can be used too. Note taste will vary though.
3. The texture and consistency of this dish should be thicker then Sambar.
If you tried this recipe and liked it please comment below. I would love to hear from you. If you have a query about the recipe email us and ill respond as soon as I can.
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Kadai Paneer (Gravy)
Kadai Paneer is a dish I like and make very frequently at home. I have this weekly one day is Paneer day compulsorily policy. Here on my blog I have another Kadai Paneer recipe which is a Semi dry version of this recipe. Though the Masala is same, the way I made it is slightly different. The Semi dry Kadai Paneer recipe is good to go with Rotis, and other flat breads and is a good lunch box recipe as it doesn’t have much in the name of gravy and so is not messy at all, to carry in a box.
This gravy version is a great option to go with rice dishes like Matar Pulav, Jeera Rice, Biriyani etc. This version is what you will find at Dhabas in the North India. Considering Dhaba meals are supposed to be reasonably priced, do you think they would use Cashewnuts and cream etc, to thicken their gravy? Well, they use a very everyday ingredient that is found in Indian Kitchens and is gaining popularity the world over for its high protein quotient (and we have been using it since ages, that’s India for us, a treasure house of recipes and food culture). Any guesses as to what that ingredient is? Besan. Yes, the humble chickpea flour. To find out how to use it, read the recipe and try it out and you will agree that it tastes delicious.
Here goes the recipe for Kadai Paneer gravy style-
PREP TIME: 15 COOK TIME:15 MINS
TOTAL TIME: 30 MINS COURSE: MAIN
CUISINE: NORTH INDIAN SERVINGS: 5
AUTHOR: RAJNI RAM
Ingredients:
Paneer 200 gm cubed
Onion 1 large cut into petals
Onion 1 medium size chopped finely
Capsicum 1 medium cut to large cubes
Green chillies 2 slit lengthwise
Ginger garlic paste 1 tsp
Garlic 3 to 4 cloves (big ones)
Tomatoes 2 large pureed
Tomato 1 medium diced
Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
Salt as required
Cumin seeds 1 tsp
Besan/ Chick pea flour 1.5 tbsp roasted on low flame until aromatic
Methi seeds/ Fenugreek seeds 2 pinches
Garam Masala Powder 1/2 tsp
To be ground:
Coriander seeds 1 tbsp
Cloves 2
Jeera/ Cumin seeds 1 tsp
Dry red chilli 2 regular and 1 Kashmiri dry red chilli (optional)
Directions:
Take a Kadai and heat it, add the Besan and saute on low flame until it turns aromatic and light brown in colour. Keep stirring so that the Besan does not burn. Once aromatic, transfer to a plate. Now in the same kadai take 1 tbsp oil and drop in the Onion petals and saute for 1 minute. Now add the cubed capsicum and continue to saute over high flame for another 1 minute. Take care to stir constantly and the onion and capsicum should not overcook or turn limp. Transfer to a plate. Now in the same kadai take some more oil and add cumin seeds. Once they start crackling add the slit green chillies and saute for 30 secs. Now add the finely chopped onions and crushed garlic and continue to saute until the onion starts turning brown. In the meanwhile roast and grind the spices mentioned under “to be ground” and set aside. Grind them coarse and not very fine. Now add this powder to the sauteed onions, add turmeric powder, and if the mixture looks dry add another teaspoon of oil and saute the masalas in oil. Now add the roasted Besan and saute until the mixture starts appearing crumbly, but dry. To this add the tomato puree and mix nicely. Smoothen out all the lumps from the Besan. Add salt, followed by 1 to 1.5 cups water, drop in the diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Check for taste and add red chilli powder if required and adjust salt if required. Now add the cubed Paneer pieces , and the previously sauteed onion and capsicum and stir nicely. Add the fenugreek/Methi seeds. Cook until the gravy thickens. If you are particular about adding cream add now(this step is optional). Add garam masala powder and put off the flame. The yummy Kadai Paneer gravy style is ready. Enjoy with your favourite rice or Flat bread. Bon Appetit.
STEPWISE RECIPE FOLLOWS:
1. Take a Kadai and heat it, add the Besan and saute on low flame until it turns aromatic and light brown in colour. Keep stirring so that the Besan does not burn. Once aromatic, transfer to a plate.
2. Now in the same kadai take 1 tbsp oil and drop in the Onion petals and saute for 1 minute. Now add the cubed capsicum and continue to saute over high flame for another 1 minute. Take care to stir constantly and the onion and capsicum should not overcook or turn limp. Transfer to a plate.
3. Now in the same kadai take some more oil and add cumin seeds. Once they start crackling add the slit green chillies and saute for 30 secs. Now add the finely chopped onions and crushed garlic and continue to saute until the onion starts turning brown.
4. In the meanwhile roast and grind the spices mentioned under “to be ground” and set aside. Grind them coarse and not very fine. Now add this powder to the sauteed onions, add turmeric powder, and if the mixture looks dry add another teaspoon of oil and saute the Masalas in oil.
5. Now add the roasted Besan and saute until the mixture starts appearing crumbly, but dry. To this add the tomato puree and mix nicely. Smoothen out all the lumps from the Besan. Add salt, followed by 1 to 1.5 cups water, drop in the diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Check for taste and add red chilli powder if required and adjust salt if required.
6. Now add the cubed Paneer pieces , and the previously sauteed onion and capsicum and stir nicely. Add the Methi seeds and cook until the gravy thickens. If you are particular about adding cream add now(this step is optional). Add Garam Masala powder and put off the flame. Garnish with coriander leaves. The yummy Kadai Paneer gravy style is ready.
NOTES:
1. Roast the Besan very carefully. Any burnt taste or flavour will change the taste of the dish. I always have a bottle of roasted Besan in my kitchen it helps to thicken gravies in a jiffy.
2. The roast and ground powder can be made ahead and stored in a bottle. This called the Kadai Masala because of which the dish gets its name.
3. I have not used cream in this dish. If you prefer adding cream, do go ahead and do so. I have specifically mentioned when to do so.
If you tried this recipe and liked it please comment below. I would love to hear from you. If you have a query about the recipe email us and ill respond as soon as I can.
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Mava Paneer Curry
Mava or Khoya when added in a recipe gives it a rich texture, flavour and taste. Mava is mostly used in sweet dishes, but can be used in gravies also to add body to a dish. The khoya is available in all stores or can be made at home. Check notes for making at home.
In this recipe, I have used the store-bought Mava. In this recipe, I have used whole spices which make the dish burst with flavours. Mava Paneer can be relished with Rotis, Naans and also rice varieties like Jeera Rice, Pulav, Masala rice and more.
Mava/ Khoya 200 gm (shredded)- divide into 2 halves
Paneer 400 gm cubed
Cloves 5 -6
Jeera/ Cumin seeds 1 tsp
Peppercorns 1/2 tsp
Badi Elaichi/ Black Cardamom 1
Cinnamon 1/2 inch stick
Bay leaf/ Tej patha 1
Elaichi/ Green Cardamom 2-3
Coriander powder 2 tsp
Fennel powder 1 tsp
Red chilli powder 1 to 1.5 tsp
Salt to taste
Onion 1 chopped fine
Tomato Puree 2 cups or 3 large tomatoes pureed
Ginger Garlic paste 1 tsp
Kasoori Methi/ dry fenugreek leaves 1 tsp
Coriander leaves finely chopped 1 tbsp
Directions:
In a Karahi heat 2 tbsp oil. Add all the whole masalas(spices) -Bay leaves, Cinnamon stick, Green cardamom, cloves, Black cardamom and Cumin seeds, and fry them for 30 seconds or until aromatic. Now add the ginger-garlic paste to it and fry for 10 seconds, Follow it up by adding the finely chopped onions. Fry until the onions turn a light brown and now add the tomato puree. Add the salt, red chilli powder, coriander powder, fennel powder and stir nicely. Cook for a minute or two until the raw smell of the masalas and tomato puree is gone. Now add one half of the shredded Mava/khoya and mix it in such that it combines well with the tomato puree. Once the Mava is added the mixture thickens, So dilute with 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk, followed by 2 cups water. Allow the gravy to cook for 2 minutes and add the remaining the Mava and stir well. Now add the Paneer cubes and cover and cook for a minute or two, or until the gravy thickens. Open the lid and garnish with some crushed Kasoori Methi(dried fenugreek leaves) and the Mava Paneer curry is ready.
Serving Suggestions: with Rotis, Naans, Parathas, Jeera rice or even plain rice.
STEPWISE RECIPE FOLLOWS:
1. Assemble all ingredients. In a Karahi heat 2 tbsp oil. Add all the whole masalas(spices) -Bay leaves, Cinnamon stick, Green cardamom, cloves, Black cardamom and Cumin seeds, and fry them for 30 seconds or until aromatic.
2. Now add the ginger-garlic paste to it and fry for 10 seconds, Follow it up by adding the finely chopped onions. Fry until the onions turn a light brown and now add the tomato puree.
3. Add the salt, red chilli powder, coriander powder, fennel powder and stir nicely. Cook for a minute or two until the raw smell of the masalas and tomato puree is gone.
4. Now add one half of the shredded Mava/khoya and mix it in such that it combines well with the tomato puree. Once the Mava is added the mixture thickens, So dilute with 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk, followed by 2 cups water. allow the gravy to cook for 2 minutes.
5. Now add the paneer cubes, cover the Karahi and cook for another 2 minutes or so, or until the gravy thickens. Open the lid, add crushed Kasuri Methi and put off the flame. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves and a drizzle of cream if required. The Mava Paneer curry is ready to savour.
NOTES:
1. In this recipe I have used 400 gm Paneer and 200 gm of Mava/Khoya. This can be scaled down conveniently for a lesser quantity of curry.
2. To make instant Khoya/Mava- take 1 cup milk and boil. Reduce it(evaporate by boiling) to half and add 2 tablespoons of milk powder and 1 tsp ghee. Homemade instant Mava is ready. For this recipe, you may need twice the amount of this quantity.
If you tried this recipe and liked it please comment below. I would love to hear from you. If you have a query about the recipe email us and ill respond as soon as I can.
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Creamy Palak In Coconut Milk
This recipe is really worth a try. It is different from the Palak recipes that we usually come across. As the name suggests the Palak/Spinach had been cooked in coconut milk. Surprised? Well, the flavor of the coconut is very subtle and does not overpower the palak at all. The coconut milk gives a creamy texture to the dish. This dish goes well with rotis, paratha, and rice. It is a simple and healthy recipe with loads of flavour. This is an excellent way to add palak to your diet, as Palak/spinach is rich in iron and fibre. This recipe is adapted from a similar recipe I spotted on @ budgetbytes.com. I have also added a small video for this recipe for easy reference.
When I made this dish I had only 1 bunch of Spinach and then when I tasted the dish I regretted making it with just a bunch as it tasted so good, that we all craved for more. So made it again within a week’s time. If you feel this dish might be very bland because of the coconut milk, let me assure you that on the contrary, it holds on to how much ever spice you put. So one could increase or decrease the spice as per their preference.
Here is the recipe of Creamy Palak in Coconut milk for you-
PREP TIME: 15 Mins COOK TIME: 15 Mins
TOTAL TIME: 30 Mins COURSE: MAIN
CUISINE: NORTH INDIAN SERVINGS: 4
AUTHOR: Rajni Ram
Ingredients:
Palak/Spinach 1 bunch
Coconut milk 1 pouch (200 ml)
Onion 1 large finely chopped
1 Tomato large finely chopped
Garlic 5 cloves finely chopped
Cumin seeds 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
Salt as required
Red chilli powder 1 tsp( add more for more spice)
Coriander powder 1 tsp
Fennel powder 1 tsp
Garam Masala powder 1/2 tsp
Directions:
Chop the Palak finely and wash. Drain all the water and put the Palak in a pan. Pour 200 ml coconut milk to the palak and switch on the flame. Keep stirring and cooking the Palak. While cooking keep mashing the Spinach with the back of a ladle from time to time. Cook on low flame until most of the coconut milk is evaporated and the mixture resembles a mash. Transfer to another plate/ vessel. Now in another pan/ kadai heat some oil. Add the cumin seeds and as they splutter add the chopped garlic and saute for 30 seconds or until nicely brown. Now add the turmeric powder followed by chopped onion and saute until the onions start turning brown. Now add the chopped tomatoes and saute for a minute. Now add the salt and cook until the tomatoes start turning mushy. Keep mashing the tomatoes as you stir them. Add the chilli powder followed by coriander powder and fennel powder and stir. Now add the cooked Palak and mix well. Cook for a minute or 2 on low flame, add the garam masala and put off the flame. The Creamy Palak in Coconut Milk is ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions: Rotis, Parathas, Rice and also works as a dip for bread. To use as a dip just blitz in a blender for a single spin after cooking.
STEPWISE RECIPE FOLLOWS:
1. Assemble all ingredients. Chop the Palak, wash and drain all the water.
2. Put the Palak into a pan and add the coconut milk and put it on the flame. Add salt.
3. Cook on low flame until most of the coconut milk gets evaporated. Keep mashing the Palak with the back of a ladle while cooking. The mixture should resemble a mash when cooked. Transfer to a plate or vessel.
4. Now in a karahi or pan heat some oil and add the cumin seeds. As they splutter add the chopped garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
5. Now add the turmeric powder followed by chopped onions and saute until the onions start turning brown.
6. Now add the tomatoes and saute for a minute. Add the salt and continue to cook for a minute. Keep mashing the tomatoes as you cook. Now add the red chilli powder, followed by coriander powder and fennel powder and cook until the tomatoes turn mushy and the mixture looks like a paste.
7. Now add the Palak cooked in coconut milk and mix nicely. Lower the flame and let it cook for a minute. Finally, add the garam masala powder and switch off the flame. The Creamy Palak curry is ready to serve.
NOTES:
1. I have used only 1 carton of coconut milk and hence the flavour of coconut was mild. For a more intense flavour add more coconut milk. You can use up to 250 ml for a bunch of spinach.
2. As mentioned in serving suggestions this recipe works well as a sauce or dip for bread. Just blitz the curry through a blender after cooking it to use as a sauce.
SHORT VIDEO OF RECIPE HERE????
If you tried this recipe and liked it please comment below. I would love to hear from you. If you have a query about the recipe email us and ill respond as soon as I can.
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Paneer-Palak Koftas (Steamed)
If you are thinking about what is new about these koftas, well they are a healthier version of the fried koftas. These dumplings are steamed and not fried, unlike the other koftas. The all-time favourite combination of palak and paneer from the steamed dumplings and of course the usual tomato onion gravy works well with this. It’s a quick recipe if you have all ingredients ready at hand. Let’s get to the recipe right away.
PREP TIME: 20 Mins COOK TIME: 40Mins
TOTAL TIME: 1 Hour COURSE: MAIN
CUISINE: SOUTH INDIAN SERVINGS: 4
AUTHOR: Rajni Ram
Ingredients:
Palak/Spinach 1/2 a bunch or 2 cup fulls when chopped
Paneer 200 gm crumbled
Onion 2 medium, chopped
Tomatoes 2 large chopped
Cashewnuts 8 to 10
Melon seeds( optional) 1 tsp
Rice flour 1 cup
Besan roasted 1/2 cup
Cardamom/ Elaichi 2
Cloves/Laung 2
Peppercorns 4
Cinnamon stick a small piece
Ginger garlic paste 1 tsp
Green chillies 4 ( 2 for koftas and 2 for gravy)
Ginger 1/2 an inch finely chopped
Cumin 1 tsp
Cumin powder 1 tsp
Coriander powder 2 tsp( 1 tsp for koftas and 1tsp for gravy)
Red chilli powder 2 tsp ( 1tsp for kofta and 1tsp for gravy)
Garam masala powder 2tsp( 1tsp for kofta and 1tsp for gravy)
Oil 2 tbsp
Directions for Koftas:
Chop the palak fine and blanch( put it in hot water) it for 5 mins. Drain the water and rinse the palak with cold water( this is done to retain the colour and crispness). Dry roast the Gram flour/ Besan until it turns aromatic and light brown. Keep stirring continuously while roasting to avoid burning the besan. Now squeeze all the water from the palak and put it in a dish. Add the crumbled Paneer. Add the roasted besan and rice flour. Add in the chopped green chillies, ginger and all dry spices and salt. Combine all together and make it like a dough. Divide the mixture into 8 or 10 equal-sized balls(koftas). Put these balls in a steamer/idli cooker and steam for 10 mins. If using a microwave for steaming 4 minutes will do. Cool the koftas.
Directions for Gravy:
In a wok heat some oil. Add the whole masalas- cardamom, peppercorns, cinnamon, and cloves. When they turn aromatic, add the onion and ginger-garlic paste, green chillies and saute well. When the onions turn translucent add the cashew nuts, tomatoes, salt and cook until the tomatoes turn mushy. Put off the stove and cool the mixture. Once cooled, put it in a blender and make a fine paste. In the same wok heat more oil and add the cumin. Add in the ground paste. Stir well continuously for a few minutes so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the wok. Add all the dry masalas now, except garam masala. Pour about a cup of water to the paste and bring it to a boil, cook until it thickens a little, put off the stove. The gravy is ready. You can add little Kasoori Methi for flavour, but it is optional.
Pour the gravy over the koftas and its ready to serve. The Paneer Palak koftas go well with Parathas, Rotis, Pulav or with plain rice. Enjoy Bon Appetit.
STEPWISE RECIPE FOLLOWS:
1. Assemble all ingredients.
2. Blanch the chopped palak, cool, squeeze the water and set aside. Dry Roast the Besan until its light brown and aromatic. Stir constantly and don’t allow to burn.
3. To the blanched and cooled palak add the paneer, green chillies, ginger, roasted Besan, Rice flour and all the dry spice powders, salt and combine well. Divide the mixture into 8 or 10 Koftas/balls. Steam them in an Idli steamer for 10 minutes. If steaming in a microwave then set on high for 4 minutes.
4. In a wok heat some oil. Add the whole masalas and fry until aromatic. Put in the onions, green chillies, ginger garlic paste and saute until onions turn transparent. Add the tomatoes and salt. Cook until the tomatoes turn mushy. Cool and blend the mixture to a fine paste.
5. In the same wok pour oil and heat. Add the cumin seeds and pour in the ground paste. Stir continuously for few minutes so that the paste doesn’t stick to the wok. Add all the dry spice powders now. Adda cup of water and allow it to boil until the oil separates on top. The gravy is ready.
6. Arrange the koftas in a serving dish and pour the gravy over it. Serve hot.
NOTES:
1. Squeeze the water from the blanched palak thoroughly.
2. Roast the besan well, otherwise, the raw flavour will dampen the taste.
3. The gravy should not thicken too much, it should be neither too thick, nor too thin. If very thick, add some hot water and dilute.
4. Melon seeds used here are optional. The gravy will still taste the same if not added.
5. Adding a little Kasoori Mathi to the gravy after cooking, will give a nice flavour to the dish.
6. If you wish, you can drizzle a little cream over the dish while serving. This is totally optional.
7. This dish can be made ahead and the koftas and gravy kept separate. Just before serving, warm up the gravy, pour over the koftas and serve.
8. For those who prefer soft koftas, allow the koftas to cook in the gravy for a minute.
If you tried this recipe and liked it please comment below. I would love to hear from you.
Lauki Kaddu Ke Kofte
LAUKI-KADDU KOFTA’S(BOTTLE GOURD AND PUMPKIN KOFTAS)
Usually, these Koftas are made individually as either Lauki Koftas or Pumpkin Koftas. In a moment of experimentation, I thought why not combine the two, and I don’t regret the result at all. The sweetness of the Pumpkin was well balanced by the Lauki, and I must say it was an ideal wedding between the two.
Let’s get to the recipe right away.
PREPTIME: 20 Mins COOK TIME: 15Mins
TOTAL TIME: 35 Mins COURSE: MAIN
CUISINE: North Indian SERVINGS: 4
Ingredients for Koftas AUTHOR: Rajni Ram
Lauki( Bottle gourd) shredded 2 cups
Kaddu(Pumpkin) shredded 1 cup
Besan(Gram flour) 1/2 cup (You can add more Gram flour for tougher Koftas)
Coriander(dhania) powder 1.5 tsp
Turmeric powder 1tsp
Red chilli powder 1tsp
Salt as per taste
Green chillies 2 finely chopped
Ginger 1 inch piece finely chopped
Coriander leaves few sprigs finely chopped
Oil for frying Koftas
Ingredients for the gravy:
Onion 2 large chopped
Tomatoes 4 medium-sized chopped
Ginger garlic paste 1/2 tsp
Green chillies 2
Cashewnuts 8-10
Salt as per taste
Red chilli powder 1.tsp
Coriander(dhania) powder 2 tsp
Fennel(saunf) powder
Turmeric powder 1 tsp
Jeera/Cumin 1tsp
Elaichi/Cardamom 2-3 pods
Bay leaf(Tej patha) 1
Cloves 2
Garam Masala Powder 1/2 tsp
Oil for deep frying Koftas
1 Tbsp oil for sauteing the onions and tomato
Cream 1 Tbsp(optional)
Method for making Koftas:
Combine the grated Lauki and Pumpkin and add all the dry ingredients including the Besan. The moisture in the vegetables is enough for formating the Koftas. Try not to add any water. Heat oil in a Karahi and when hot, reduce the flame to medium and drop the batter with a spoon, or shape them with hand and drop it in oil carefully. Fry until golden brown and repeat the same for all the batter. Put the fried koftas on absorbent paper for the oil to blot. Set aside.
Method for gravy:
In a Karahi take 1 tbsp oil and heat it. Add all whole masalas one by one, fry for a minute and add onion and saute until a nice brown, add the Tomatoes, cashew nuts, and salt and saute further until the tomatoes turn mushy.
Cool the onion-tomato mixture and grind it in a processor until smooth.
In the same Karahi add 1 Tbsp oil and heat, pour the paste when the oil is hot, and stir nicely. Add all the powdered spices and mix well. Cook until oil is released. Now add 1 cup water, adjust consistency, and let it boil. When it starts getting thick again, sprinkle the Garam masala and put off the stove and add the cream(this step is totally optional). To serve arrange the Koftas in a dish and pour the prepared gravy over it, decorate with finely chopped coriander leaves and enjoy with Rotis, Chapati, Naan, Phulkas.
Bon Appetite!
STEPWISE RECIPE FOR KOFTAS FOLLOWS:
1. Assemble ingredients.
2. To the grated Lauki and Kaddu add salt followed by all the spice powders mentioned in Kofta Ingredients.
Add the Besan/ Gram flour too and combine nicely. Don’t add any water, the moisture in the vegetables will do.
3. Heat oil in a Karahi, shape the Koftas or drop them with a spoon carefully into the oil and fry them to a golden colour.
4. Put them on an absorbent paper and keep aside.
STEPWISE RECIPE FOR GRAVY FOLLOWS.
1. Heat oil in a Karahi and add Jeera/ Cumin. As they splutter add the chopped onions and ginger-garlic paste. ( you can add the whole spices too in the oil if you don’t want to chew on them while eating) . Add the 2 whole chillies too.
2. Saute well until the Onions start turning brown and add the chopped Tomatoes and Cashewnuts to this. Stir well and cook until Tomatoes break and turn mushy. Leave to cool.
Transfer to a blender and puree it.
3. Now take 1 Tbsp oil in a karahi and add the Jeera and whole spices mentioned in Gravy preparation.
( please don’t add again if you had while sauteing the Onion tomato mixture). Once they turn aromatic put in the onion-tomato puree and stir well. Keep stirring for a few minutes.
4. Stir the gravy nicely and add all the spice powders mentioned in the Gravy ingredients. Cook for 2 mins and add 1.5 cups of water. Let it come to a boil and the gravy will start thickening. At this stage add Garam masala powder and put off the stove. Add the cream now and give a gentle stir( this step is optional).
5. Assembly of Koftas and Gravy- In a flat dish arrange the Koftas and pour the gravy over them. Decorate with finely chopped coriander leaves and serve with Rotis, Phulkas, Naan.
I have served them with hot phulkas.
NOTES: 1. The moisture in the vegetables is enough for forming the Koftas.
2. If you choose to add the whole spices to the onion-tomato mix, you can consider straining the puree, to get rid of any unground spice.
3. If you are adding all whole-spices together to the oil directly, after making the gravy you can fish them out with a spoon if you don’t want to chew on them.
If you try out this recipe, please comment below. I would love to hear from you.
