Vegan Malai Kofta

By Ashley Jean April 26, 2023 36 mins read 114 Views

This vegan malai-kofta will make you feel like you are eating at your favorite Indian restaurant. In these dumplings we swap out the paneer with tofu, and then cook them in a creamy sauce of tomato. Yum!

Before becoming vegan, I loved ordering malai-kofta in Indian restaurants. It's hard to resist the creamy, rich sauce and the tender, steamed dumplings. But because it contains cream and cheese, it is off limits for vegans. What if you made it yourself? You can easily make it vegan by making a few simple swaps.

What is Malai Kofta?

Malai kofta (not to be confused with the Middle Eastern style vegan kofta) is an Indian dish that consists of fried dumplings made from a mixture of paneer cheese, potatoes, and a lot of spice. The dumplings will then be cooked in a creamy sauce made from tomatoes. Malai kofta, like many Indian dishes is usually served with naan rice or basmati.

Malai kofta is a popular dish in Indian restaurants all over the world. It originated in North India. To make vegan Malai Kofta we swap out the paneer with extra-firm tofu. It has a mild taste and texture similar to paneer. Next, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk in the sauce. Easy!

Notes on Ingredients

Scroll down the recipe card for the ingredients quantities and the recipe instructions.

Raw Cashews -- Don't use salted or roasted cashews. You'll need the raw variety.
Potatoes You can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
Extra firm tofu -- Learn more: How To Make The Most Delicious Tofu - Best Tips for Cooking Tofu
Cornstarch
Kashmiri Red Chili Powder
Garam Masala
salt
Golden Raisins -- These raisins add a touch of sweetness to this malai kofta vegan recipe.
Onion Yellow or white onions are the best.
Fresh ginger
Garlic
Tomatoes
Oil Any oil that you have or like to use for cooking.
Cloves
Green cardamom
Cinnamon stick
Bay Leaf
Turmeric
Cumin
Coriander
Water
Fenugreek
Full fat coconut milk This replaces heavy cream. You want to use the full-fat version and not the lite, as it isn't as creamy.
Cilantro - For garnish.

What is the difference between Kashmiri Chili powder and Chili powder?

Kashmiri chili is not a hot red chili powder. It is mild and is commonly used in Indian cooking. This is different from regular red chili powder which has a Tex-Mex taste and usually contains more heat. You should note that these two types of chili powder are not interchangeable.

How to make vegan Malai Kofta

It's not the type of meal that you can make in a hurry for dinner on a weeknight, but it is well worth the effort.

Start with Dumplings

Soak cashews. Put 15 cashews raw in a bowl and add enough water to completely cover them. Soak the cashews for 30 minutes.
Cook potatoes. Put the potatoes in a pot, and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a rolling boil, and then cook for 15 minutes or until potatoes are easily pierced by a fork. Let cool for 10 minutes.
Prepare the cashews that have not been soaked. Chop the remaining raisins, and then finely chop the 12 cashews. Combine them all in a small dish.
Mash the potatoes in a large bowl using a potato ricer. Add the tofu crumbles, cornstarch and 1/4 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garam masala and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Make the dumplings. Divide up the potato mixture in 8 equal portions, and then flatten each portion into a thick patties. Put 1 1/2 teaspoons of the cashew and raisin mixture at the center. Then, form the dough into a ball around the filling. The dumplings should be chilled for 30 minutes.

Make the sauce:

Start making the sauce. Drain cashews that have been soaked. Add the tomatoes, onions, ginger, and garlic to a pot set on medium heat. Stir occasionally as you bring the mixture to a boil and then cook it for 15 minutes.
Puree tomato mixture. Remove tomato mixture from heat and allow it to cool. Pour the tomato mixture in a blender, and puree it until smooth.
Cook whole spices. In a separate pot, combine oil, cloves and cinnamon sticks with bay leaves. Sautee over medium heat for one minute.
Pour the tomato puree into the hot oil. Pour the tomato puree carefully into the hot oil. Reduce the heat to medium low and stir. Cover the pot, and let it simmer for seven minutes. Stir occasionally. Add 1 cup of water, turmeric, cumin and Kashmiri red chili pepper to the sauce. Continue to simmer until the sauce is slightly thickened.
Finish the sauce. Cover and remove the sauce from heat after adding 1/4 teaspoon of garam masala.

Make the dumplings, and serve them:

Start heating the oil. Heat the oil until it reaches a temperature of 360oF.
Fry the dumplings. Place the kofta carefully in the hot oil. Fry 2 to 3 at once for 5 minutes. Turn them every minute until they are golden brown. Transfer the kofta to a wire rack.
Serve. Pour sauce in a dish, and place kofta on top. Sprinkle the cilantro and drizzle more coconut milk on top.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to ensure that your malai kofta is perfect.

Soak cashews. It will help the nuts blend into a creamy, smooth sauce.
Do not overcook potatoes. The potatoes should only be soft enough to be pierced with a fork. It will be hard to form dumplings if the potatoes are too mushy.
You can use a thermometer to ensure that the oil is at the right temperature for frying kofta. The dumplings can become greasy if the oil temperature is too low. If it's too high, they will be too browned on the outside but not fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions

Malai Kofta is a tasty vegan dish when served with basmati rice or vegan naan. This dish is also delicious served with other Indian breads, or vegan naan (or garlic naan! You can serve this dish, although it is not authentic, with quinoa or cauliflower rice.

How to store leftovers

Store leftover malai sauce and kofta separately. Store them separately in the fridge for up to three days. Then, add them to the sauce.

Can this recipe be frozen?

The sauce and dumplings must be kept separate. The kofta will not become mushy if you do this! Thaw them in the fridge, then heat according to the above instructions.

Indian Inspired Vegan Recipes

Vegan Coconut Curry Lentil Soup
Vegan Mulligatawny Soup
Easy Lentil Soup with Spices (Vegan)
Vegan Butter Chicken with Tofu

Enjoy, friends! Please take a picture and tag #jessicainthekitchen if you make this recipe for malai Kofta! Please leave a comment and rate the recipe! Thank you!

Vegan Malai Kofta

This recipe for malai Kofta combines spiced potato dumplings and a rich creamy tomato sauce to create a delicious Indian vegan dinner.

Course Meal

Indian

Preparation Time ten minute

Cook Time 1 Hour 30 Minutes

Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Servings Servings

Calories 364 Kcal

Jessica Hylton Author

Ingredients

27 Raw Cashews 43 grams, divided
2 Potatoes 600 grams cut into 1 inch cubes 600 grams
1 Cup Extra Firm Tofu crumbled 163 grams
3 Tablespoons Cornstarch 24 grams
1 1/4 teaspoon Kashmiri Red Chili Powder divided
1/2 teaspoon Garam Masala divided
1 teaspoon Salt divided
1 Tablespoon Golden Raisins finely chopped 10 grams
1 Cup Onion chopped 113 grams
1 1/2 teaspoon Fresh ginger 15 grams
2 cloves Garlic sliced
2 Tomatoes 300 grams, cut into chunks
3 Tablespoons Oil
3 Cloves
2-3 Green Cardamom
1 inch Cinnamon Stick
1 Bay Leaf
1/4 teaspoon Turmeric
1/4 teaspoon Cumin
1 teaspoon Coriander
1 Cup Water
1/4 teaspoon Garam Masala
1 teaspoon Fenugreek Leave crushed
1/4 cup Full Fat Coconut Milk plus more for drizzling 60 ml
Cilantro for garnish optional

Instructions

Pour 15 cashews raw in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for 30 min.
Put the potatoes in a pot, and cover them with cold water. Bring the potatoes to a rolling boil, and then cook for 15 minutes or until they are soft enough to be pierced with a knife. Cook until soft but not mushy. Otherwise, they'll be too wet and impossible to shape into balls.
After 10 minutes, remove the potatoes from the heat and allow them to cool.
When the potatoes have cooled, chop finely the remaining 12 cashews along with the raisins. Mix together.
Use a potato masher to mash potatoes. Add the cornstarch and 1/4 teaspoon.
Mix together 1/4 teaspoon Garam Masala, 1/2 teaspoon salt and Kashmiri Red chili powder. Mix well.
Divide the potato mixture evenly into 8 equal-sized balls.
Each ball should be pressed into a thick patty. Place 1 1/2 teaspoons of the cashew and raisins mixture in the middle. Then, form the potatoes into a sphere around the filling.
Place the balls onto a plate, and then refrigerate them for 30 minutes.
Prepare the curry sauce while the kofta is chilling.
Pour off the water from the cashews.
Add tomatoes, onions, ginger, and garlic to a medium-sized pot. Also add the soaked cashews.
Bring to a simmer, and cook 15 minutes while stirring.
Pour the tomato mix into a blender, and puree it until smooth. Set aside.
Add oil to a clean pot. Then add the cloves, cardamom stick, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick. Sauté over medium heat for one minute.
Pour the pureed tomato into the hot oil. It will splatter and pop. Stir well.
Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot for 7 minutes and stir occasionally.
To the tomato puree, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, turmeric and cumin. Also, 1 cup water, red chili powder from Kashmir, coriander, and kashmiri. Continue to simmer until 5 minutes have passed. The sauce will slightly thicken.
Add 1/4 teaspoon of garam masala to the coconut milk, fenugreek and fenugreek leaf mixture.
Cover and remove heat.
In a deep skillet, heat 2 inches of oil until it reaches 360 degrees.
Fry kofta in batches of 2-3 for 5 minutes or until golden brown. To achieve an even color, turn them every minute.
Remove drain and place on a rack.
Pour the curry sauce in a dish, and then place the kofta into the sauce. Sprinkle with cilantro and drizzle with more coconut milk.

Notes

To Store: Do not put the kofta into the sauce if you will not eat them all immediately. They will soften. Store the kofta separately from the sauce, then reheat them in the microwave and serve together.

The sauce and the dumplings must be kept separate. Thaw them in the fridge, then heat according to the instructions.

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 40g

The post Vegan Malai Kofta first appeared on Jessica in the Kitchen.

By: Jessica Hylton
Title: Vegan Malai Kofta
Sourced From: jessicainthekitchen.com/vegan-malai-kofta/
Published Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2023 16:37:47 +0000

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Eat Meat on A Plant-Based Diet?

Plant-based diets allow for certain foods that are not made up of animal products, such as fish, meat, and poultry. A few people following a plant based diet may still eat milk and eggs. Additionally, many options are available for people looking to transition to a plant-based diet that is flavorful and protein-packed without including animal products. Plant-based diets are primarily based on fresh fruits and veggies, legumes like beans and lentils as well as nuts and seeds such as oatmeal, quinoa, and soy products. They also include fortified foods such as non-dairy almond milk or coconut milk.

In addition to restaurants specializing in vegan food or offering vegan menu items (like certain fast food chains), it's possible to find vegan products in most grocery stores. Tofu, seitan (wheat flour), tempeh(fermented soybeans), mock duck made with mushrooms, and other soy-based meats can all replicate the taste and texture of traditional meat dishes. A variety of vegetarian burgers using black beans and/or quinoa are available that can be very close to beef burgers.

There are plenty of plant-based substitutes available to those who do not want to sacrifice their carnivorous favorite foods. Tofu mayo, coconut bacon strips, eggplant bacon bits, and veggie hot dogs made from seasoned textured soybean protein are some vegan alternatives. All of these delicious options can also be used to make faux chicken strips with wheat gluten. Although some processed forms fermented mushrooms can taste just like meat, when cooked correctly, they have significantly lower water consumption than livestock production. These alternatives can be used to replace meats that you might have once eaten, making it easier to transition to a plant-based diet.

What are some excellent sources of protein on a plant-based diet?

The following are great sources for protein from a plant-based food diet: legumes such chickpeas, beans, and chickpeas. Also, soy products such as tofu, tempeh, and grains like quinoa, teff, nuts like almonds, walnuts and cashews. Seeds such as pumpkin, sunflower, and green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli. These plant-based proteins are rich in fiber and essential micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. You can balance your nutrient needs by adding omega-3 fats to plant-based foods like flaxseeds. chia, walnuts, and hemp seeds.

Can children follow a plant based diet?

Adults are increasingly turning to plant-based diets for their many health benefits. Parents may wonder if children can follow a plant based diet. Children can still eat a plant-based food plan if they are well-planned and meet their nutritional needs.

Plant-based diets can provide all the necessary nutrients children need to grow and develop. But it is crucial to ensure children get enough iron, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12. It is important to have adequate protein for growth and development. Tofu, beans, lentils, nuts, and tofu are all good sources of plant-based proteins. Fortified cereals and leafy greens contain iron, which is essential for healthy blood cells. Fortified plant milk, calciumset tofu and leafy leaves contain sufficient calcium for healthy bones. Vitamin D is critical for bone health. It can also be obtained from sunlight exposure and fortified cow milk. Vitamin B12, vital for healthy nerves as well as blood cells, is only available in animal products. Therefore, children on a plant-based diet may need to take a B12 supplement.

It is crucial that children who follow a plant-based lifestyle consume enough calories in order to meet their energy demands. It is important for parents to provide a variety whole foods such as fruits, vegetables (including whole grains), legumes, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Children may require more frequent meals or larger amounts to meet their energy demands.

Parents should consult a registered dietitian or a healthcare professional to make sure that their child is eating a plant-based diet. They can also guide meal planning, supplementation, and age-appropriate portion sizes.

A well-planned, plant-based diet can be safely followed by children. Parents can help their children have a healthy, nutritious, plant-based diet by planning well and getting guidance from a registered dietitian.

Supplements are necessary when you eat a plant based diet.

Although a balanced plant-based diet is essential for good health, some micronutrients should be supplemented in order to make up any missing nutrients. Vitamin B12 is critical for the health of the brain and nervous systems. Although it is only available from animals, supplemental forms may be beneficial to vegans or vegetarians. Iron and zinc are important minerals for healthy metabolism and red blood cell production, tissue development, and repair. Also, Omega 3 fatty acid plays an important role in the normal functioning of the body. They help control inflammation and maintain proper brain function. Because of their biochemical properties, most plant-based food sources don't contain omega-3s. Supplementation may be able to maintain a delicate balance for this vital nutrient. Last but not least, calcium is vital for maintaining strong bones. It can also be found in limited quantities through vegetables like broccoli and kale. You may want to supplement your diet if you have difficulty meeting your daily calcium requirements. It is always a good idea for you to check with your doctor before adding new supplements.

Can I eat eggs if I follow a plant-based diet

A plant-based diet does not allow eggs. This dietary lifestyle eliminates all animal products, including meat, fish, poultry, and eggs. Many vegan options exist for traditional egg-centric dishes, and they offer the same texture and flavor without using animal products. Tofu scrambles and omelets are great breakfast options that have the same appearance and texture as eggs. They also provide plant-based protein. Chickpea flour and mashed banana can be used to replace eggs in baked goods. Aquafaba, which is the liquid in chickpea cans, can also be used as an alternative to eggs when making meringues and other desserts. Additionally, egg replacers like flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water substituted for one large egg can help keep non-vegan recipes intact without sacrificing taste.

Is it possible to lose weight with a plant-based diet?

Yes, it is possible to lose weight by eating a plant-based diet. A variety of fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and other plants-based proteins can give you enough volume to feel full without adding calories from unhealthy fats and carbohydrates. A well-rounded vegan meal plan is usually low in saturated fat and cholesterol-containing foods like red meat and processed snacks that tend to add weight instead of take it away. Additionally, research shows that following a plant-based diet may help boost metabolism and lower some risk factors for obesity, such as inflammation. Incorporating healthy food rich in fiber, as well as limiting the intake of sugars, starches and white bread, can help to lose weight and still provide the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that your body needs.

Statistics

Another found that following a diet rich in plant foods and lower in animal foods was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 31 to 32 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. (everydayhealth.com)
In fact, according to research published in the going plant-based can cut grocery bills by $750 a year per person, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. (forksoverknives.com)

External Links

How To

How do you transition to a plant-based diet?

It can seem overwhelming to make the switch to a plant-based diet. However, education and preparation are key. Start slowly and make small changes to your diet. For example, replace animal protein with plant-based protein. Whole foods are more nutritious and healthier than processed alternatives.

It is important to be dedicated when it comes to meal planning and preparation. You should plan your meals in advance so you know what ingredients to purchase and how much time each dish will take. You can simplify your kitchen by investing in multi-cookers or slow cookers. Batch cooking will allow you to prepare multiple meals at once.

Don't be afraid to try new flavours. Trying different cuisines can bring a lot of variety into your vegan diet: think Chinese tofu dishes and Indian curries. Aim to create a grocery list based on recipes instead of relying on impulse shopping at the grocery store. Making the switch to a healthier lifestyle will be easy with the right ingredients, preparation tips, and a few simple tricks.