Malai Kofta in Spicy Cream Sauce

Kofta, a classic dish of Moghul origin, is one of the most important preparations of Indian vegetarian cuisine. Traditionally, koftas are simmered in a delicate sauce and turned into a curried main dish.

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2  large russet potatoes, boiled, peeled, mashed
• 1⁄2 cup green peas
• 1⁄4 cup cheese, shredded
• 1  hot green chili pepper, chopped
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1  tablespoon cumin seed
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 cup cashew nuts, chopped
• 1  tablespoon raisins
• 3⁄4 cup chickpea flour or 3⁄4 cup cornflour, see note
• 1  cup water
•  oil (for frying)
• 8  cashew nuts, whole
• 2  cloves
• 1  pinch nutmeg
• 1  inch cinnamon stick
• 1  garlic clove, peeled
• 2  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1  large onion, grated
• 1  pinch turmeric
• 2  teaspoons paprika
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1  tablespoon salt
• 1  cup half-and-half
• 1  cup water
• 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
• 2  tablespoons cilantro, chopped

Directions

1. THE KOFTA: Combine potatoes, peas, cheese, chile, coriander, cumin, salt, cashews and raisins.
2. Form mixture into 1-inch balls.
3. Make a batter with the flour and water. Season with pinch of salt, if desired.
4. Heat oil to 375 degrees F in a deep fryer or large heavy saucepan.
5. Dip balls into batter to coat completely, and deep-fry until brown (do not crowd), about 4 minutes. Set aside. (If you want the kebabs to remain firm, put them on a heated serving platter, and tent with foil. To serve, bring cream sauce to a boil and pour over koftas)
6. THE SAUCE: Grind cashews, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and garlic with a little water to make a fine paste. Set aside.
7. Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
8. Add onion and saute until wilted; stir in ground paste and cook 2 minutes.
9. Add turmeric, paprika, coriander, cayenne and salt. Stir in half-and-half and water. Reduce heat and simmer about 15 minutes.
10. Stir in cream. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Pour over koftas.
11. Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.
12. Note: Chick-pea flour (also called besan) may be purchased at Indian grocery stores.