Best Easy Paneer Malai Kofta Recipe

Paneer malai kofta is a luxurious vegetarian dish with creamy paneer-potato dumplings in a cashew-cream sauce. This rich, protein-packed vegetarian curry is a beloved family celebration dish.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 410 kcal
#vegetarian #high protein #indian curry #celebration dish
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Paneer 8 oz
  • Russet potato 1 large
  • Cornstarch 3 tbsp
  • Heavy cream 0.5 cup
  • Cashews 0.33 cup
  • Onion 1 medium
  • Tomato 2 medium
  • Green chili 1 piece
  • Fresh cilantro 0.25 cup
  • Raisins 2 tbsp
  • Oil 0.33 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Salt 2 tsp
  • Sugar 1 tsp
  • Garam masala 1 tsp
  • Ground coriander 1 tsp
  • Turmeric powder 0.5 tsp
  • Ground cumin 0.5 tsp
  • Red chili powder 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 35 g 34%
Protein 15 g 15%
Fat 25 g 51%
Serving size 260g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Peel and boil the potato until tender; mash and cool completely before combining with crumbled paneer, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 0.5 tsp salt, and raisins.

  2. 2

    Shape mixture into small balls (koftas), dust lightly with remaining cornstarch, and refrigerate for 20 minutes for firm texture.

  3. 3

    Heat oil in a skillet on medium heat (do not overheat to smoking point). Shallow-fry the koftas in batches until golden-brown all around, turning gently. Drain on paper towels.

  4. 4

    For the sauce, soak cashews in hot water for 15 minutes. Blend soaked cashews, onion, tomatoes, and green chili until smooth.

  5. 5

    Wipe the pan and heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add blended paste and cook, stirring frequently, until oil separates (about 8 minutes). Add all seasonings and stir for 1 minute.

  6. 6

    Dilute heavy cream with 3/4 cup water, then add to the sauce base. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring gently.

  7. 7

    Just before serving, arrange fried koftas in the serving bowl. Pour hot malai sauce evenly over the koftas, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve immediately.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What’s the key ingredient in this Paneer Malai Kofta recipe?
Paneer is the central ingredient of this dish, giving the kofta its signature softness and creamy texture. When combined with potato and shaped into dumplings, it defines the heart of paneer malai kofta—especially when simmered in the cashew-cream sauce, which enhances its richness.
Q. Which part of the cooking process should I pay special attention to?
Shallow-frying the koftas over medium heat is crucial. Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking, and fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Watching the color change and carefully rotating the koftas prevents burning and promotes an even, golden crust.
Q. How do I keep my koftas from falling apart in the sauce?
Refrigerating the shaped koftas before frying helps them hold together. Use enough cornstarch as a binder and allow the dumplings to develop a crust during frying. Always add the fried koftas to the sauce just before serving to maintain their structure and texture.
Q. What is the nutrition profile per serving for this dish?
Each serving (260g) of Paneer Malai Kofta contains approximately 410 kcal, with 15g protein (15%), 35g carbohydrates (34%), and 25g fat (51%), making it a rich, protein-containing vegetarian meal.
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