Kofta is a popular dish made with spiced meatballs cooked in a flavorful gravy. Here's a recipe for Pakistani-style Kofta:
Ingredients:
For the Koftas:
500g minced meat (beef or mutton)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (coriander leaves)
2 tablespoons chopped mint leaves
1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
Salt, to taste
2 tablespoons gram flour (besan)
Oil, for frying
For the Gravy:
2 tablespoons oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
Salt, to taste
1/2 cup yogurt, beaten
1/2 cup water
Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves), chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Koftas:
1. In a bowl, combine the minced meat, chopped onion, cilantro, mint leaves, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and gram flour.
2. Mix everything well to form a smooth mixture.
3. Shape the mixture into small balls (koftas) and set aside.
Fry the Koftas:
1. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
2. Fry the koftas in batches until they are browned on all sides.
3. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Gravy:
1. In a separate pan, heat oil and sauté the chopped onion until it is soft and translucent.
2. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
4. Add beaten yogurt and mix well. Cook for a few minutes.
Cook the Koftas in Gravy:
1. Add water to the gravy to adjust the consistency.
2. Gently place the fried koftas into the gravy.
3. Cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the koftas are cooked through and the gravy is flavorful.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
