Veg Kofta is a delightful Indian delicacy that features crispy vegetable balls simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based gravy. This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy a medley of fresh vegetables combined with aromatic spices, making it a perfect centerpiece for any festive meal or special occasion.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, veg kofta offers a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
One of the best parts about veg kofta is its versatility. You can customize the vegetable mixture depending on what’s fresh and available, and the gravy can be adjusted to suit your spice tolerance.
It pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread, making every bite a comforting experience. If you love Indian cuisine or want to try something new and exciting, this veg kofta recipe is a must-try that’s both fun to make and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This veg kofta recipe is a wonderful blend of healthy vegetables and indulgent flavors. The koftas are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering an irresistible bite every time.
The creamy tomato gravy is rich, slightly tangy, and infused with warming spices that make it a crowd-pleaser.
It’s a great way to sneak in a variety of vegetables that even picky eaters will enjoy. Plus, it’s gluten-free if made with chickpea flour and can be easily made vegan by substituting dairy with coconut cream or cashew cream.
The recipe is straightforward and perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
- For the Koftas:
- 1 cup grated cabbage
- 1 cup grated carrot
- ½ cup boiled and mashed potatoes
- ½ cup finely chopped beans
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ½ tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- 2 tbsp chickpea flour (besan)
- Salt to taste
- Oil for deep frying
- For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 3 large tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp kasuri methi (dry fenugreek leaves)
- 1 tbsp cashew paste (blend soaked cashews with water)
- 1 cup water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh cream or coconut cream (optional)
Equipment
- Grater or food processor for shredding vegetables
- Mixing bowls
- Deep frying pan or kadai
- Slotted spoon
- Blender or hand blender (for tomato puree and cashew paste)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Serving plate
Instructions
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the grated cabbage, grated carrot, mashed potatoes, chopped beans, green chilies, and grated ginger. Mix well.
- Add Spices and Flour: Sprinkle in the garam masala, cumin powder, and salt. Add chickpea flour little by little, mixing until the mixture binds well and can be shaped into balls. If too wet, add a bit more chickpea flour.
- Shape the Koftas: Divide the mixture into small portions and roll into smooth balls, about the size of a walnut. Set aside.
- Deep Fry the Koftas: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully drop the kofta balls into the oil. Fry until golden and crisp on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Gravy – Tempering: In a separate pan, heat 2 tbsp oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Sauté Onions and Ginger-Garlic: Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Then add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2 minutes until raw smell disappears.
- Add Tomato Puree and Spices: Pour in the tomato puree and cook on medium heat until oil starts to separate from the masala, about 8-10 minutes. Add red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir well.
- Finish the Gravy: Add garam masala, kasuri methi, and cashew paste. Mix well and add 1 cup of water. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Adjust the thickness as needed.
- Add Cream (Optional): Stir in fresh cream or coconut cream for a richer taste and creamier texture.
- Combine Koftas and Gravy: Gently add the fried koftas into the gravy. Simmer for 2-3 minutes so the koftas absorb some of the flavors but don’t break.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, naan, or roti.
Tips & Variations
For crispier koftas, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
You can add finely chopped paneer or tofu inside the koftas for an extra protein boost.
If you prefer a healthier version, bake the koftas at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through until golden.
Feel free to experiment with the gravy by adding cashew cream or coconut milk to make it vegan and creamy. You can also try adding a dash of kasuri methi or a pinch of saffron for a more luxurious flavor.
For a variation, try making Ikea Veggie Balls Recipe: Easy Homemade Meatless Delight or explore other flavorful options like Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore for quick Indian-style meals.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (2 Koftas with Gravy) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Protein | 6 g |
Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Veg Kofta is best enjoyed hot, paired with fragrant basmati rice or buttery naan bread to soak up the luscious gravy. You can also serve it with jeera rice (cumin rice) or parathas for a more rustic meal.
Accompany this dish with a simple cucumber raita or a fresh salad to add a refreshing contrast to the rich koftas and gravy. For a complete Indian feast, try pairing it with Vegetarian Southern Recipes That Everyone Will Love or explore some delicious Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners as sides.
Conclusion
Veg Kofta is a delicious, comforting dish that showcases the best of Indian vegetarian cooking. With its crispy vegetable balls and creamy, spiced tomato gravy, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
The combination of fresh veggies and aromatic spices makes it both nutritious and flavorful.
Whether you’re cooking for a festive occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is an excellent way to enjoy wholesome ingredients in a restaurant-style preparation. Don’t forget to explore more vegetarian delights on our site, like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for a complete culinary adventure.
📖 Recipe Card: Veg Kofta Recipe
Description: A delicious Indian appetizer made with mixed vegetable balls fried and served in a rich tomato-based gravy. Perfect for festive occasions or a comforting family meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes, beans), boiled and mashed
- 1/2 cup paneer, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornflour
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Mix mashed vegetables, paneer, cornflour, garam masala, and salt to form kofta dough.
- Shape the mixture into small balls and deep fry until golden brown. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and sauté onions until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in tomato puree, turmeric, chili powder, and salt; cook until oil separates.
- Add water to make gravy and bring to a boil.
- Gently add koftas to the gravy and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with rice or naan.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 30 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Veg Kofta Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious Indian appetizer made with mixed vegetable balls fried and served in a rich tomato-based gravy. Perfect for festive occasions or a comforting family meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT50M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes, beans), boiled and mashed”, “1/2 cup paneer, grated”, “2 tablespoons cornflour”, “1 teaspoon garam masala”, “1 teaspoon cumin seeds”, “2 tablespoons oil”, “1 large onion, finely chopped”, “2 tomatoes, pureed”, “1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste”, “1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder”, “1 teaspoon red chili powder”, “Salt to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix mashed vegetables, paneer, cornflour, garam masala, and salt to form kofta dough.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Shape the mixture into small balls and deep fry until golden brown. Set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and saut\u00e9 onions until golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in tomato puree, turmeric, chili powder, and salt; cook until oil separates.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add water to make gravy and bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Gently add koftas to the gravy and simmer for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with rice or naan.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “10 g”, “fatContent”: “18 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “30 g”}}