Kofta Masala (or meatball curry) is one of those childhood recipes my mom used to make that has stayed with me (and stuck to my hips!). It's easy, flavorful, and consists of melt-in-your-mouth tender meatballs. What's not to like?! Recipe is below...
Ingredients:
For the beef:
1 ½ lbs ground beef (you can even use chicken, lamb, mutton, etc.)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp cumin powder
½ tsp coriander powder
½ tsp chili flakes
3 tbsp breadcrumbs
1 egg, whisked
1 tbsp fresh cilantro or coriander leaves
2 tsp Onion/garlic/ginger paste (process 1 onion, 4 cloves of garlic, and half a head of ginger with a little oil to make a smooth paste. The rest of the paste is for the masala)
Salt to taste
For the masala (gravy):
4 tbsp canola oil
Onion/garlic/ginger paste
1 cup canned tomato puree or sauce
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp red chili powder (or cayenne powder)
½ tsp garam masala (all-spice powder)
Salt to taste
1 heaping tbsp yogurt (regular or Greek)
½ cup water
Fresh cilantro to garnish
Method:
1. In a large bowl, mix the beef with all of the above spices listed under the ingredients list for seasoning the beef.
2. Take about 1 tbsp of the beef mixture to make meatballs. It should make about 12-14.
3. Shallow fry the meatballs till brown on the outside. The inside of the meatballs will be cooked in the masala. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, heat some oil and lightly fry the onion/garlic/ginger paste for a minute. 5. Add the tomato sauce, and all the spices - mix well.
6. Add the yogurt and salt, then mix again. Let the masala cook for a few minutes. Add the water and cook for another 2 mins on high flame.
7. Add the meatballs in the masala, and gently toss to coat all the koftas with the masala.
8. Top it with the cilantro leaves. Let it come to simmer, then cover and cook on low flame for 5-8 mins till the inside of the koftas is cooked and the masala has reduced a tad bit.
9. Serve with steamed basmati rice or naan bread.
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