- 1
Start by heating oil in a pan for deep-frying.
- 2
Thinly chop one onion and deep-fry until the pieces become golden and crisp.
- 3
The deep-fried onions add a sweet flavour to this dish and help thicken the gravy.
- 4
Once done, remove the onions from the oil and let them cool.
- 5
Dry roast a mixed whole spice in another pan for added depth of flavour.
- 6
Use one tablespoon poppy seeds, one tablespoon coriander seeds, 1 Tsp cumin seeds, three cardamoms, four cloves, 1-inch cinnamon stick, and 3 to 4 dried red chillies. Roast till fragrant- a sure sign that they are ready.
- 7
Add soaked and peeled almonds to the pan and stir well. Put all these ingredients in the blender, and add just enough water to make a smooth, thick paste.
- 8
This spice paste will form the base for your kofta gravy to taste very rich and complex.
- 9
Now, blend the fried onions, which have been cooled using a blender or food processor, into a thick paste.
- 10
You will end up adding body to the gravy with this onion paste and balance out the spices.
- 11
Mix all ingredients for koftas- ground chicken, minced garlic, ginger, green chillies, chopped coriander, salt, pepper, and garam masala to taste together.
- 12
Then pinch little portions of this mixture and shape them into balls.
- 13
Heat the pan and add one tablespoon of ghee. When the ghee's hot, add one batch of chicken balls, and saut high heat for approximately 3-4 minutes.
- 14
Once done, remove from pan and keep aside.
- 15
Add the remaining ghee to the same pan. Add one tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste and saut until the raw smell disappears.
- 16
Now add the poppy seed and almond paste prepared above and saut till all the raw smell dissipates and the oil begins to separate, which usually takes a few minutes.
- 17
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they get soft and tender enough to be absorbed into the paste. Stir in the fried onion paste, and cook for a few more minutes.
- 18
A pinch of chopped green chillies and a little garam masala are added for some zing and stirred well.
- 19
Add water, and then add the prepared chicken kofta pieces, and be careful not to splash them.
- 20
Bring to a simmering medium. Boil the koftas in their gravy for about 7-8 minutes, thus allowing the flavours to hold onto the gravy.
- 21
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan, or paratha.
- 22
This recipe of Chicken Kofta is sure to treat your palate to a thrilling mixture of spice, creamy texture, and delectable meatballs.
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Comfort food, at its finest, promises flavours that will get you talking and sharing with friends.