Recipe for Malai Kofta Curry with Chapati
Indian cuisine is celebrated across the world for its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and comforting meals that satisfy both the stomach and the soul. Among its many beloved dishes, Malai Kofta Curry stands tall as a royal delicacy often prepared for special occasions. Pair it with soft, freshly made chapati, and you have the perfect meal that balances indulgence with homeliness.
Malai Kofta is a Mughlai-inspired dish where soft, melt-in-the-mouth koftas made from paneer (Indian cottage cheese), potatoes, and sometimes nuts are served in a creamy, spiced tomato-cashew gravy. While it sounds elaborate, it can be recreated in your kitchen with the right ingredients and some patience. In this blog, we will walk through the complete recipe for Malai Kofta Curry with Chapati, step by step, while also sharing helpful tips and variations to make your cooking experience enjoyable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Kofta:
● 2 large potatoes (boiled and mashed)
● 1 cup paneer (grated or crumbled)
● 2 tbsp cornflour or arrowroot powder (binding agent)
● 2 tbsp chopped cashews or raisins (optional, for stuffing)
● 1 green chili, finely chopped
● 1 tbsp coriander leaves (finely chopped)
● ½ tsp garam masala powder
● ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
● Oil for deep or shallow frying
For the Curry Base:
● 3 medium tomatoes, roughly chopped
● 1 large onion, roughly chopped
● 10–12 cashew nuts (soaked in warm water for 15 minutes)
● 1-inch piece ginger
● 3–4 garlic cloves
● 2 green chilies (adjust to spice preference)
For Cooking the Gravy:
● 3 tbsp oil or ghee
● 1 bay leaf
● 1-inch cinnamon stick
● 2–3 cardamom pods
● 1 tsp cumin seeds
● ½ tsp turmeric powder
● 1 tsp red chili powder
● 1 tsp coriander powder
● ½ tsp cumin powder
● 1 tsp garam masala
● ½ tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
● ½ cup fresh cream or malai
● 1 ½ cups water (adjust for consistency)
● Salt to taste
● Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
For Chapati:
● 2 cups whole wheat flour
● ½ tsp salt
● Water as required
● 1 tsp oil (optional)
Step 1: Preparing the Kofta
1. In a mixing bowl, combine boiled and mashed potatoes with grated paneer.
2. Add cornflour, green chili, coriander leaves, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to form a soft dough-like mixture.
3. Divide the mixture into small equal portions. Flatten slightly, add a cashew or raisin in the center if you like, and roll back into a ball.
4. Heat oil in a pan. Deep fry or shallow fry the koftas on medium heat until golden brown and crisp. Drain on tissue paper and set aside.
Tip: Fry koftas only just before serving to maintain their crispness.
Step 2: Making the Curry Base
1. In a saucepan, heat a little oil and add onions. Sauté until they turn golden brown.
2. Add chopped tomatoes, soaked cashews, ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes soften.
3. Cool the mixture slightly and grind it into a smooth paste with minimal water. This forms the rich base of your malai kofta curry.
Step 3: Cooking the Curry
1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, and cardamom pods. Allow them to release their aroma.
2. Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Sauté briefly.
3. Now add the prepared onion-tomato-cashew paste. Cook on medium flame until the oil begins to separate.
4. Stir in salt, kasuri methi, and a little water to adjust the consistency. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
5. Lower the flame and add cream or malai, mixing gently to give the curry its rich, velvety texture. Cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Finish with a sprinkle of garam masala. Garnish with fresh coriander.
Step 4: Preparing Soft Chapatis
1. In a bowl, combine wheat flour, salt, and optional oil. Add water gradually to form a soft, pliable dough. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth.
2. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20–30 minutes.
3. Divide the dough into small balls. Roll out each ball into thin circles using a rolling pin.
4. Heat a tawa (griddle) and cook each chapati on both sides until golden brown spots appear. Apply a little ghee if desired.
Step 5: Assembling and Serving
To serve, gently place freshly fried koftas into a serving bowl. Pour hot malai curry over them just before eating to keep the koftas soft yet crisp. Garnish with cream swirls or coriander leaves. Serve alongside hot chapatis for a comforting, royal Indian meal.
Tips and Variations
● Healthier version: Instead of deep-frying, air-fry or bake the koftas with a light drizzle of oil.
● Nut alternatives: Replace cashews with almonds if you prefer.
● Spice level: Adjust chili and garam masala depending on your spice tolerance.
● Make-ahead: Prepare the gravy and chapati dough ahead of time. Fry koftas fresh to save time and retain crispness.
Nutritional Value
Malai Kofta Curry, being indulgent, is calorie-dense because of cream, paneer, and frying. Pairing it with chapati, a wholesome whole wheat flatbread, balances the richness by adding fiber and keeping the meal hearty yet light on digestion.
● Koftas: Rich in protein (paneer) and energy (potatoes).
● Curry: Packed with antioxidants from tomatoes and minerals from cashews.
● Chapati: Provides complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber.
This combination makes the meal wholesome while still retaining its indulgent taste.
Why Malai Kofta with Chapati is a Perfect Pair
While Malai Kofta is often paired with naan or jeera rice, chapati brings its own charm to the meal. Being lighter, chapati balances out the rich curry, making it easier on the stomach for everyday dining. The soft, slightly chewy chapati also soaks up the creamy gravy beautifully, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
This makes Malai Kofta with Chapati not only a celebratory dish but also one you can enjoy for family dinners or festive gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Malai Kofta Curry with Chapati is the epitome of comfort and indulgence combined. The soft koftas, creamy gravy, and wholesome chapatis together create a meal that feels luxurious yet homely. While it may take a little time and effort, the end result is truly rewarding.
This dish shows the richness of Indian culinary traditions—where humble ingredients like potatoes and paneer are elevated into something royal through the magic of spices and technique. Whether you’re making it for a festive occasion, a dinner party, or simply to treat yourself, Malai Kofta Curry with Chapati will never fail to impress.
