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COOK JOURNAL

Series Kitchen Evolution - did we trade soul for speed?Naan & Malai Kofta

Naan & Malai Kofta

Prep Time:

30 Mins (+ 2 hr resting)

Cook Time:

35 Minutes

Ready In Time:

3 Hours and 5 Minutes.

Serves:

4 Servings

Level:

Intermediate

About the Recipe

Naan and Malai Kofta is a classic North Indian pairing that brings together comfort and indulgence. The soft, slightly charred naan complements the rich, velvety gravy, while the kofta adds a delicate texture and mild sweetness. This dish balances simple ingredients with layered flavors, making it perfect for both special meals and restaurant-style cooking at home.

Various Indian Spices

Ingredients
 

Naan:

  • 2 cups Maida

  • ½ tsp Salt

  • ½ tsp Sugar

  • ½ tsp Baking Powder

  • 2 tbsp Curd

  • Water (as required)

  • Salt + Water Mixture (for brushing)


Malai Kofta

Kofta Balls

  • 3 Boiled Potatoes (Mashed)

  • ¾ cup Paneer (Grated)

  • 1 Green Chilli (Finely Chopped)

  • 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves

  • ¼ tsp Cumin Powder

  • ½ tsp Salt

  • 2 tbsp Maida

  • Oil (for shallow frying)


Gravy

  • 1 Onion (Chopped)

  • 2 Tomatoes (Chopped)

  • 1 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste

  • 1 tbsp Butter

  • 2 tbsp Oil

  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds

  • 2 Cardamom

  • 1 Bay Leaf

  • 1 inch Cinnamon

  • 2 Cloves

  • 1 tsp Chilli Powder

  • ½ tsp Turmeric Powder

  • ¾ tsp Coriander Powder

  • ¼ tsp Cumin Powder

  • Salt to taste

  • ¼ cup Cream

  • ½ cup Water

  • 1 tsp Kasuri Methi

  • ¼ tsp Garam Masala

preparation
 

Step 1:Prepare the Naan Dough

  • In a bowl, combine maida, salt, sugar, baking powder, and curd.

  • Add water gradually and knead into a soft, smooth dough.

  • Cover and let it rest for 2 hours.


Step 2:Prepare the Kofta Mixture

  • In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, paneer, green chilli, coriander, cumin powder, and salt.

  • Add maida and combine into a soft dough.

  • Shape into small round balls using greased hands.


Step 3:Fry the Koftas

  • Heat oil in a pan on medium heat.

  • Shallow fry the kofta balls, turning gently until evenly golden brown.

  • Remove and set aside.


Step 4: Prepare Gravy Base

  • Heat oil and sauté onion with ginger-garlic paste until light golden.

  • Add tomatoes and cook until soft.

  • Cool and blend into a smooth puree..


Step 5: Cook the Gravy

  • Heat butter and oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and whole spices; sauté until aromatic.

  • Lower heat and add ground spices.

  • Add the prepared puree and salt. Cook until oil separates.

  • Stir in cream, add water, and bring to a boil.

  • Finish with kasuri methi and garam masala.


Step 6:Cook the Naan

  • Divide dough into portions and roll into oval shapes.

  • Brush one side with saltwater mixture.

  • Place on a hot tawa (water side down) and press gently.

  • Flip the tawa over flame and cook until golden spots appear.

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