Kofta in Yoghurt
Kofta in yoghurt are spiced beef meatballs served in cold yoghurt. The balls are seasoned with green chilli, ginger and ground coriander, fried until crisp and placed in a bowl of natural yoghurt just before serving.
The dish belongs to North Indian cuisine, where hot meatballs and cold yoghurt are a classic combination. The contrast between the crisp, spiced crust and the cool, tangy yoghurt is the whole point. The balls must not sit in the yoghurt too long before serving, or they will soften and lose their texture.
Serve as a starter or a light lunch. Add chapati or rice on the side if you want something more substantial.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 500 g beef, minced
- 75 g breadcrumbs
- 2 green chillies, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 piece ginger (2.5 cm), finely chopped
- 2 tsp coriander seeds, ground
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- salt
- oil, for frying
- 5 dl natural yoghurt
- 2 tbsp coriander leaves, finely chopped, for garnish
Directions
Mix the minced beef with the breadcrumbs, green chilli, onion, ginger, ground coriander, egg and salt in a bowl. Knead lightly with your hands until the mixture holds together.
Shape the mixture into balls the size of a walnut. This makes about 20–24 pieces.
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. The layer of oil should be enough to cover the base. Fry the balls in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Turn them until they are dark brown all the way around and cooked through in the centre, 6–8 minutes in total.
Drain the balls on absorbent paper.
Pour the yoghurt into a serving bowl. Place the warm meatballs in the yoghurt. Sprinkle with chopped coriander and serve immediately, while the balls are still hot.
Notes
Preparation time about 15 minutes, frying time about 15 minutes.
The balls must be served as soon as they meet the yoghurt. Left too long, the yoghurt draws out the heat and softens the crust.
Green chilli can be replaced by red chilli or adjusted for heat. If unsure about the seasoning, fry a small piece of the mixture first to taste.
See Also
Cucumber Raita (Kheera Raita)
Mint Raita
Green Chutney
