Indian style Veg-Kofta curry (Vegan alternatives)

If “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” then maybe I should give up teaching and become a full time cook. A few weeks back I tried to impress someone with my cooking. Made restaurant style veg-kofta curry. As it was a 'success story' considering the compliments (and orchids and several dates to follow) - thought of sharing with you all. We never know what some food (cooked with love mind you) can do... xoxo

There are two stages of prepration. First, we need to prepare the Koftas (veg-balls instead of meat balls) and then the curry sauce in which we serve them.

Veg Koftas

Ingredients: 

• 800 grams boiled white beans
• Spices: 1/2 tsp each: coriander power (kişniş), chilli flakes (pul biber), cumin powder, Salt to taste
• Herbs: A handful of fresh coriander or cilantro or basil or mint, 2 – 3 green chillies (if available)
• Others: 1 tbsp Lemon juice, 3 tsp rice flour for biding
• Oil for frying

Method

 

Step 1: To white beans, add all the spices, herbs and lemon juice. Mash to form thick paste. Then add rice flour and mix again. 
 

Step 2: Make patties with this dough and heat the oil for frying.
 

Step 3: Shallow fry the patties until brown and crispy.
 

TIP: These patties can be served as appetisers with some tomato ketchup, mint or mango chutney.

The curry sauce 

Ingredients: 

• Two medium tomatoes, chopped onion (about the same amount)
•  3 – 4 freshly chopped garlic and ginger (about the same amount)

Spices: 

• ½ tsp cumin seeds, 
• ¼ tsp each turmeric powder (zerdeçal) coriander power (kişniş)
• 1 – 2 bay leaves
• salt to taste

• Hot pepper (kırmızı biber), cumin powder.
• 1½ tsp sugar.
• Half cup coconut milk/cream OR soy milk OR milk OR cream.

 

Method  

 
Step 1: In a pan take 2 tsp oil, add the cumin seeds, bay leaves, onion, garlic and ginger. Cook until the onions turn golden brown, then add the tomatoes. 

Step 2: Mash the tomatoes as they soften, then add all the spices and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 3: Add the coconut milk, sugar and salt. Bring the mix to a boil, then add the koftas (patties). Cook for a few minutes. 

Step 4: Garnish with raisins and nuts of your choice. Serve hot with rice or bread of your choice.

TIP: We usually garnish it with freshly chopped cilantro but it isin't available here. You may use fresh mint or basil instead. This goes really well with turkish "katmer"