Ready in

90 mins

Cuisine

Indian · North Indian

Prep Time

30 min

Cook Time

60 min

Serving

3-4 People

Difficulty

Medium

Calories / Serving

~700 kcal

Spicy Level

Recipe by Tastemade World on YouTube
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Measurements

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All Ingredients

For Kofta Mixture

All Ingredients

For Stuffing & Frying

All Ingredients

For Gravy

All Ingredients

For Garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.

  1. Prepare the Kofta Mixture

    In a large bowl, combine 500-600g meat with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp crushed cumin, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala powder, 1 tbsp chopped green chili, 1 tbsp mint leaves, 2-3 tbsp cilantro, 1 tbsp garlic paste, 1 tsp ginger paste, 2 tbsp roasted gram flour, 1 medium grated onion (with water squeezed out), and 2 tbsp ghee/oil. Mix all ingredients thoroughly by hand until well combined.

  2. Grind the Mixture

    Transfer the mixed kofta ingredients to a mortar and pestle (or a food processor/chopper) and grind until it forms a smooth, cohesive paste. This helps bind the mixture and gives the koftas a fine texture.

  3. Form the Koftas

    Divide the kofta mixture into 6-7 equal portions. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Take one portion, flatten it into a disc in your palm. Place one boiled egg in the center of the meat disc. Carefully wrap the meat mixture tightly and evenly around the boiled egg, ensuring all joins are sealed completely and the kofta is smooth and round. Repeat for all eggs.

  4. Chill Koftas

    Place the formed koftas in the fridge for . This chilling step helps them firm up and maintain their shape better during frying.

  5. Fry the Koftas

    Heat oil in a pan. Once hot, carefully add the chilled koftas. Fry them until they are golden brown on all sides, which should take approximately . Ensure the meat is cooked through. Remove the fried koftas, drain any excess oil, and set them aside.

  6. Prepare the Gravy Base

    In the same pan (or a fresh one), heat 1/2 cup cooking oil or ghee. Add 1 large sliced onion and fry until it becomes translucent and lightly golden. Then, add 3 medium chopped tomatoes and cook for until they soften.

  7. Make Onion-Tomato Paste

    Remove the fried onions and softened tomatoes from the oil. Add 1/4 cup of water to them and blend into a fine, smooth paste. Set aside.

  8. Cook Gravy Masala

    In the remaining oil in the pan, add 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste and for until fragrant. Add 3/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1/3 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala powder, and 1 tsp coriander powder. Stir well and cook for a minute. Then, add the prepared onion and tomato paste. Cook this mixture on medium-low heat for , stirring occasionally, until the oil separates from the masala and the paste darkens.

  9. Add Yogurt and Water

    Stir in 2/3 cup of yogurt (optionally mixed with 1-2 tbsp water to prevent curdling). Mix well and cook for another . Then, add 3-4 cups of water (or as required for your desired gravy consistency) and bring the mixture to a gentle .

  10. Simmer Koftas in Gravy

    Carefully place the fried koftas into the gravy. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat for . This allows the gravy to thicken and the flavors to infuse into the koftas.

  11. Garnish and Serve

    Once the gravy has thickened and the koftas are tender, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced green chilies. Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.

Before You Cook

Helpful details before you start
Ingredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.
View 8 swaps
  • No Garam masala?

    • 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom
  • No Cilantro?

    • Flat-leaf parsley (1:1, milder)
    • Fresh mint (in chutneys, salads)
  • No Garlic (fresh)?

    • 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
    • 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
  • No Onion?

    • 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
    • 3 tbsp dried minced onion
    • Shallots or leeks (1:1)
  • No Ghee?

    • Unsalted butter (1:1)
    • Neutral oil (1:1, lacks the toasted note)
  • No Egg?

    • 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water (rest 5 min) — Per egg, best in baking.
    • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce — Per egg, in sweet baked goods.
    • 1/4 cup silken tofu, blended — Per egg.
  • No Cornstarch?

    • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (per 1 tbsp cornstarch)
    • Arrowroot powder (1:1)
    • Tapioca starch (1:1)
  • No Yogurt?

    • Sour cream (1:1)
    • Buttermilk (1:1, slightly thinner result)
AllergensThis recipe contains eggs and dairy.
EggsDairy

Storage & Leftovers

Keep your leftovers fresh and ready to enjoy.

  • Refrigerate

    Chill the prepared koftas in the fridge for 20 minutes before frying; this helps them hold their shape.

  • Refrigerate

    Place the formed koftas in the fridge for 20 minutes.

Helpful Tips

Small details that can improve the final result.

  • Cooking tipDust Boiled Eggs Lightly with

    Dust boiled eggs lightly with corn flour to help the meat mixture stick firmly.

  • PreparationChill the Prepared Koftas in

    Chill the prepared koftas in the fridge for 20 minutes before frying; this helps them hold their shape.

  • TipWhen Frying Koftas

    Ensure the oil is not too hot to prevent burning the outside while the inside remains raw; cook until golden brown and cooked through.

  • TipCook the Gravy Masala on Medium

    Low heat until oil separates, indicating the spices are well cooked and flavors are developed.

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