Kofta Curry (Meatballs Curry)
One of our family favorites—curried meatballs drenched in flavor and guaranteed no leftovers!
Ingredients
For the Koftas
- 2 lbs ground beef ( )
- 3 tsp garlic salt (or regular salt with added fresh garlic paste)
- 2 tsp onions (finely diced)
- 2 tsp fresh cilantro (chopped)
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp oil (to sauté meatballs)
For the Curry
- 4 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 large black cardamom
- 2 green cardamoms
- 2 sticks cinnamon (1-inch long sticks)
- 9 peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 medium onions (diced finely)
- 2 medium tomatoes (diced finely)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ¼ tsp tumeric powder ( )
- 1 tbsp corriander powder
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp ground garlic
- salt to taste
- ¼ tsp red chili powder (optional)
- 2 medium potatoes (peeled and cut into 4 or 8 pieces, optional)
Instructions
For the Koftas
- Mix all ingredients (except the oil) together and form into balls, about 1" in diameter.
- Heat oil in a deep pan, add koftas, and sauté a few minutes, rolling them around gently until the koftas are no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
- Cover, lower heat, and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the lid and continue to sauté until koftas are lightly browned, but still moist.
- Remove the koftas from the pan, and set aside on a paper towel to absorb any excess fat.
For the Curry
- In a 4-6 quart pot, heat the oil on medium heat.
- Add whole spices and stir a couple of times, then add the chopped onions and sauté until they are three-quarter browned, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add the spices, ground ginger, and garlic. Continue to sauté for a minute or two.
- Now add the chopped tomatoes. Cook for 4 minutes until the tomato pieces start to curl.
- Add 2 cups of hot water and continue to cook another 5 minutes.
- Now add the kofta balls, lower heat, and simmer for another 10 minutes on low heat.
If Adding Potatoes
- When adding kofta balls, add the potatoes, add hot water to cover the potatoes, and continue cooking until the potatoes are done, about 15-20 minutes.
Final Hints
- Garnish with chopped green coriander.
- Serve with plain white Basmati rice, pea pilaf, or carrot rice.