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Creamy Indian Malai Kofta with Cashew Gravy

Name: Creamy Indian Malai Kofta with Cashew Gravy
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 200g paneer, grated; 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed; 2 tbsp cornflour; 1/4 cup raisins; 1/4 cup almonds, chopped; Salt, to taste; Oil, for frying; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tbsp ghee; 2 onions, finely chopped; 1-inch ginger, grated; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tomatoes, pureed; 12 cashews, soaked in warm water; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1/2 tsp turmeric powder; 1 tsp coriander powder; 1/2 tsp garam masala; Salt, to taste; 1/4 cup fresh cream; 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped; Pinch of nutmeg

Malai Kofta is a classic North Indian dish featuring soft, paneer-stuffed dumplings served in a rich and aromatic cashew-based gravy.

4.7(361 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·July 3, 2025

Creamy Indian Malai Kofta with Cashew Gravy — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

35 min

Cook

1 h 45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Kofta

For the Gravy

Spices

For Garnish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 607 kcal
Protein: 15.5 g
Carbs: 50.25 g
Fat: 41 g
Fiber: 6 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2428 kcal
Protein: 62 g
Carbs: 201 g
Fat: 164 g
Fiber: 24 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
200g paneer grated	570	38	15	42	0
2 large potatoes boiled and mashed	340	8	80	0	7
2 tbsp cornflour	60	0	15	0	0
1/4 cup raisins	120	1	31	0	1
1/4 cup almonds chopped	200	7	7	18	4
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Oil for frying	300	0	0	33	0
2 tbsp vegetable oil	240	0	0	27	0
1 tbsp ghee	120	0	0	14	0
2 onions finely chopped	80	2	20	0	4
1-inch ginger grated	5	0	1	0	0
3 cloves garlic minced	10	0	2	0	0
3 tomatoes pureed	60	2	14	0	4
12 cashews soaked in warm water	100	3	9	8	1
1 tsp cumin seeds	8	0	1	0	1
1/2 tsp turmeric powder	4	0	1	0	1
1 tsp coriander powder	6	0	1	0	1
1/2 tsp garam masala	3	0	1	0	0
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1/4 cup fresh cream	200	1	3	22	0
2 tbsp coriander leaves chopped	1	0	0	0	0
Pinch of nutmeg	1	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Kofta

1
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine paneer, potatoes, cornflour, salt, raisins, and almonds.
2
Shape Mixture
Shape the mixture into small balls.
3
Fry Koftas
Heat oil in a pan and deep-fry the koftas until golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
Tip: Ensure koftas are completely covered in oil while frying to cook evenly.

Preparing the Gravy

1
Heat Spices
Heat oil and ghee in a separate pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2
Sauté Onions
Add onions, sauté until golden brown, then add ginger and garlic. Cook for another 2 minutes.
3
Cook Tomatoes
Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 5 minutes.
4
Add Cashew Paste
Blend cashews into a smooth paste, add to the pan, and cook for 7-8 minutes.
Tip: If the gravy becomes too thick, add a bit of hot water to adjust the consistency.

How to Make Creamy Indian Malai Kofta with Cashew Gravy

Total time: 2 h 20 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Deep Frying
Ensure oil is heated to the right temperature before frying koftas.
2
Sautéing
Maintain a gentle heat to prevent spices from burning.
3
Simmering
Let the gravy simmer on low to infuse flavors perfectly.