Kofta Curry (Meatball curry)

• servings: 8 servings
• active time: 30 minutes
• total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 onion (medium, grated)

1 egg (large)

4 tablespoons panko bread crumbs (or 2 tbsp chickpea flour)

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

1 tablespoon chopped mint (or 1 teaspoon dry mint)

1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste

2 teaspoons garam masala (or tikka masala)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or red chili powder)

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons olive oil (use a bit more if needed)

1 onion (medium, chopped)

2 tablespoons ginger garlic paste

1 tablespoon garam masala

1 teaspoon chili powder (or paprika)

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

3/4 teaspoon salt (adjust per taste)

1 chili pepper (chopped, jalapeno or cayenne or serrano)

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1½ cups crushed tomatoes (see note)

1 cup yogurt (whole, whipped)

2 tablespoon fenugreek leaves (fresh, chopped or 1 tablespoon dried leaves)

1 cup water

2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)

Cilantro (chopped for garnish)

Directions

Beef Meatballs (Koftas)

Meatball Mixture

Combine all the ingredients for koftas (meatballs) in a mixing bowl. Mix and knead it well for 3-4 minutes and let it rest.

Make Meatballs

Shape 16 smooth and cylindrical (or round) koftas and arrange on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Broil meatballs on high for about 3 to 5 minutes on both sides.Tip: You can do this while cooking the curry on the side.

Cook's Tip

The broiling time may differ with each oven, so make sure to check initial progress. Alternatively the koftas may also be grilled. The koftas do not have to be completely cooked in this process as they will cook further in the sauce.

Curry (Sauce)

Saute

Heat olive oil in a cooking pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

Add Spices

Add ginger and garlic paste and stir for 2 minutes. Then add tikka masala, chili powder, turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt and mix well.

Add Tomatoes

Next add chili peppers, tomato paste and stir 2 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and cook couple minutes.

Add Yogurt

Add whipped yogurt and stir very well. Stir in fenugreek leaves, which give a distinctive taste to this dish.

Simmer Sauce

Then add 1 cup of water and stir (adjust the water as needed). Let it simmer about 20 minutes, until some oil starts surfacing on the top.Tip: If necessary, you may use a blender and process the sauce.

Add Koftas

Add koftas to the sauce. Adjust seasoning and consistency as needed.

Simmer

Increase the heat to medium high and once the curry starts bubbling, lower the heat and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Garnish

Scatter chopped cilantro leaves on the top. You may drizzle cream or whipped yogurt on top.

Serve this beef meatball curry with rice or flat bread. Enjoy!

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 koftas with 1/2 cup cu
• Calories: 222 kcal
• Total Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 61 mg
• Sodium: 713 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 13 g
• Dietary Fiber: 2 g
• Total Sugars: 5 g
• Protein: 15 g