Malai Kofta | Veg Balls dipped in rich gravy (Microwave version)

Koftas are basically deep fried mixed vegetable balls that are dipped in a rich gravy just before serving. There are different types of Kofta Curries one can make. Of all the koftas, Malai Kofta is what we hear often. And it is one of my most favorite side-dishes ever!

I decided to try it out in the Microwave. While I knew I wouldn't deep fry the Koftas anymore, (thanks to my sudden health-freakness(?)) I couldn't fathom how one could make such an elaborate recipe in a Microwave (again, I only assumed. It turned out to be way more simple) But once I lay down a paper on the kitchen counter(I always do. I'm messy!) & kept all the ingredients ready, it was child's play! :-D

I got a basic idea of what ingredients to use from Mom. And the rest was trial and error. What can be made in 20 minutes took me 40, but I learned quite a few functions of the Microwave that I never knew existed! :-)

RECIPE
(Print this Recipe) 

Ingredients	Amount	Details
1) FOR THE KOFTAS
Potatoes	1/2 cup (200 grams)	Boiled & Mashed
Cottage Cheese / Tofu	100 grams	I skipped
Other mixed veggies like cauliflower, carrot, peas	¼ cup	boiled
	1 tablespoon	Chopped
Green Chilis	1	Finely chopped
Cornflour	1/2 teaspoon	Heaped
Salt	1 teaspoon	Or to taste
2) FOR THE GRAVY PASTE
Poppy Seeds (Khus-Khus)	1/2 tablespoon	-
Cashew Nuts	3-4	Roughly broken
Green Chilies	1-2	Roughly chopped
Water	1 tablespoon	-
Garlic-ginger	2 cloves & a pinch	-
3) FOR THE CURRY
Gravy Paste	As ground above	-
Fresh Cream	100 ml (5-6 tbsp)	I used Amul
Garam Masala	1 teaspoon	-
Red Chili Powder	1 teaspoon	As required
Turmeric Powder / Haldi	A pinch	-
Oil	1 teaspoon	More or less if u want
Salt	1 teaspoon	As per taste
Sugar	A pinch	To cut the spice
4) For Garnish
Coriander / Cilantro	1-2 tbsp	Chopped

Method Pic 1. MAKE THE KOFTAS Cut the vegetables to be used & put in a MW safe bowl. Add enough water & MW for 10 minutes. Your boiled veggies are ready. In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients Combine to form a soft dough Divide into equal portions & make neat balls Keep on a Microwave safe bowl. Brush the Koftas with oil if you want. I skipped. Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Keep aside. They will not turn brown as they do when you fry them. But they will have a lightly crisp exterior & soft interior - 2. MAKE THE GRAVY PASTE In a blender, add poppy seeds, green chili, cashew nuts, garlic a pinch of salt & blend Add onions, a bit of red chili powder & blend again Keep aside                 Add tomatoes to the same blender Blend to form a smooth pureé                                                                                       - 3. MAKE THE CURRY In a MW safe bowl, mix onion-gravy paste and 2 teaspoons of oil Microwave on HIGH for 6 minutes. Stir once in between. (MW closing the lid) Mix well Add tomato pureé Mix well Microwave again for 6 minutes stirring once or twice in between Add chili powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, salt to taste & a pinch of sugar & mix Microwave it on high for a minute Finally, add the fresh cream Mix well Microwave on medium for 2 minutes 4. TO PROCEED You have your gravy & veg balls ready Just before serving, add Koftas to the curry Microwave on high for 1 minute Garnish with Coriander leaves & serve immediately!

Phew! Quite a long one, ain't it? But if you keep everything ready (which should take you about 10 minutes) you can make this mouthwatering HEALTHY curry within 15 minutes!

I'm super happy with my new-found Microwave powers! ;-P