Vegan Malai Kofta
Vegan Malai Kofta is a rich and creamy Indian dish featuring soft, spiced vegetable and nut balls served in a luscious tomato-cashew gravy. This delightful meal is not only satisfying but also packed with flavors that evoke the essence of traditional Indian cuisine.

45 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Indian
350 kcal
Ingredients
- For the Kofta: 1 medium potato - boiled and mashed
- 1/2 cup grated bottle gourd (lauki)
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- 1/4 cup finely chopped spinach
- 1/4 cup ground cashews
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt - to taste
- 1/4 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- Oil - for frying
- For the Gravy: 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/4 cup soaked cashews
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt - to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Fresh coriander leaves - for garnish
Steps
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed potato, grated bottle gourd, grated carrot, chopped spinach, ground cashews, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well until a dough-like consistency is formed.
- Add chickpea flour gradually to the mixture until it holds together well. Form small balls (koftas) with your hands.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the koftas until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- For the gravy, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add ginger and garlic paste, sautéing until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 5-7 minutes until the oil separates.
- Blend soaked cashews with a little water to make a smooth paste, then add it to the tomato mixture.
- Add coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook for another 5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Carefully place the fried koftas into the gravy and let them simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving. Enjoy your Vegan Malai Kofta with steamed rice or naan.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Total Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Water: 0.3 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in vitamins and minerals from vegetables like spinach and carrot.
- High in fiber which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Tags
IndianVeganLunch