Ingredients
- For the Kofta:
- 2 cups grated pumpkin
- 1 cup boiled and mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh coriander leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
- For the Curry:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
- 2 large tomatoes, pureed
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 cup yogurt, whisked
- Salt to taste
- A few strands of saffron, soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh cream
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Kofta:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine grated pumpkin, mashed potatoes, chickpea flour, coriander leaves, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to form a dough-like consistency.
- Shape the mixture into small round balls (koftas).
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Fry the koftas until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain excess oil on a paper towel.
2. Prepare the Curry:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
- Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts separating from the masala.
- Mix in turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and red chili powder. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Lower the heat and gradually add the whisked yogurt, stirring continuously to prevent curdling.
- Add salt to taste and let the curry simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the saffron-infused milk, and let the curry simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Add fresh cream and garam masala, mixing well. Turn off the heat.
3. Assemble the Dish:
- Just before serving, gently add the fried pumpkin koftas to the curry and allow them to soak in the flavors for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.