Description
Kofta Kebab Masala is a rich and flavorful Indian dish featuring spiced ground meat koftas simmered in a creamy, aromatic tomato-based sauce. Perfectly balanced with warm spices and fresh herbs, this comforting main course pairs beautifully with naan or rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Kofta Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion finely grated and squeezed of excess moisture
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil for cooking
Masala Sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil (for sauce)
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 cup water as needed
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, cilantro, mint, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, garam masala, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the koftas tender.
- Shape and Cook Koftas: Shape the mixture into small oval or round koftas. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the koftas in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Aromatics: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion until golden brown. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Spices and Tomato Puree: Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder to the skillet and cook briefly until aromatic. Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened and the oil begins to separate from the sauce.
- Incorporate Yogurt and Cream: Lower the heat and whisk in the yogurt until smooth, then stir in the heavy cream and salt. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to reach desired consistency.
- Simmer Koftas in Sauce: Return the koftas to the pan, spoon sauce over them, and simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the koftas to soak up the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the koftas tender and light.
- If the sauce appears to curdle after adding yogurt, lower the heat and whisk gently until smooth.
- You can substitute ground chicken for a lighter variation of this dish.
