Learn how to make malai kofta! This popular Indian recipe consists of delicious potato and cheese balls in a velvety tomato-based curry sauce. The air fryer lightens up the traditionally deep-fried dumplings, while the pressure cooker makes putting together the curry sauce effortless. —Soniya Saluja, The Belly Rules the Mind

Malai Kofta Recipe Tips

What is malai kofta?

Malai kofta is a popular vegetarian Indian recipe of fried balls in a rich, creamy sauce. In English, malai means "cream" and kofta means "fried balls." This malai kofta recipe uses potatoes and paneer to form the balls. For best results, use homemade paneer.

Are there other variations of this malai kofta recipe?

Yes! You can make the following substitutions, depending on your dietary preferences.
  • For vegan malai kofta: Use tofu and oil instead of paneer and ghee.
  • For nut-free malai kofta: Instead of cashews, use additional heavy cream and nut-free sunflower seed butter.
  • For slightly sweeter malai kofta: Use sweet potatoes or raw bananas instead of the potatoes.

How do you make malai kofta gravy extra creamy?

Use heavy or light cream for the creamiest texture, and blend and strain the gravy for the smoothest consistency.

How do you stop the kofta from breaking apart?

To prevent your kofta from breaking, make sure the paneer and potatoes are boiled and grated instead of mashed. Also, mix the ingredients well—the potatoes will help bind the kofta.

Research contributed by Soniya Saluja