Banana kofta curry is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that brings a unique twist to traditional Indian cuisine. Unlike the usual kofta made with vegetables or meat, this recipe uses ripe bananas to create soft, flavorful dumplings that soak up the rich, aromatic curry beautifully.
The combination of sweet bananas with the spicy, tangy tomato-based gravy offers an irresistible balance that’s sure to impress your family and guests. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this vegetarian dish is both comforting and exotic, inviting you to explore the versatility of bananas beyond desserts.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious foodie, this banana kofta curry recipe is straightforward to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients. It’s a fantastic way to add some creativity to your weekly meal plan while enjoying a healthy, satisfying dish.
Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of breads and rice, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This banana kofta curry is a celebration of contrasts — sweet and savory, soft and spicy, traditional and innovative. Here’s why it’s sure to become a favorite:
- Unique Ingredient Twist: Using ripe bananas in koftas adds a natural sweetness and soft texture that’s unexpected yet incredibly delicious.
- Rich, Flavorful Curry: The tomato and spice-based gravy is bursting with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, complementing the bananas perfectly.
- Vegetarian and Nutritious: This dish is packed with vitamins and fiber from bananas and spices, making it a wholesome meal option.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear steps, even beginners can master this dish.
- Versatile Serving Options: It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, naan, or any of your favorite Indian breads.
Ingredients
- For the Banana Koftas:
- 3 ripe bananas (medium-sized, mashed)
- ½ cup gram flour (besan)
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
- For the Curry:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup coconut milk or water
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Salt to taste
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and chopping board
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Spatula or slotted spoon
- Blender or food processor (for tomato puree)
- Large skillet or saucepan for curry
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Plate lined with paper towels (to drain excess oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the banana kofta batter: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add gram flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, garam masala, and salt. Mix thoroughly to form a thick batter that holds shape. If too runny, add a little more gram flour.
- Shape and fry the koftas: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, take small portions of the banana batter and gently drop them into the oil, shaping into small balls or oval shapes. Fry until golden brown and crisp on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the curry base: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the tomato puree: Add the pureed tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook the mixture for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil starts to separate from the masala.
- Add coconut milk: Pour in the coconut milk or water, stir well, and bring the curry to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Finish the curry: Add garam masala and mix well. Gently add the fried banana koftas into the curry. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes to allow the koftas to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves on top before serving.
Tips & Variations
For best results, use ripe but firm bananas to ensure the koftas hold their shape during frying.
You can substitute coconut milk with heavy cream or cashew cream for a richer curry.
To make it gluten-free, ensure the gram flour you use is pure chickpea flour without any additives.
For a vegan version, avoid using dairy-based cream or butter and stick with coconut milk or plant-based oils.
Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) in the curry for an authentic flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 38 g |
Protein | 7 g |
Fat | 10 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sugar | 12 g |
Vitamin C | 15% DV |
Potassium | 420 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Banana kofta curry pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice or fragrant jeera rice to soak up the delicious gravy. For bread lovers, try it with warm naan, roti, or paratha for a complete meal.
The sweetness of the banana koftas contrasts beautifully with the spiced curry, so a simple cucumber raita or a fresh green salad can help balance the flavors.
If you want to explore more vegetarian delights, check out our Half Runner Beans Recipe or try some comforting baked goods alongside your curry, like the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe. For a sweet finish, indulge in the Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe to celebrate your banana-themed feast!
Conclusion
Banana kofta curry is a wonderful example of how simple, everyday ingredients can be transformed into something truly special. The sweet and savory balance, combined with the rich, aromatic curry, makes this dish a standout in vegetarian cooking.
It’s perfect for those looking to experiment with Indian flavors or add a creative twist to their meals.
Whether served at a family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Plus, making koftas from bananas adds a fun and unexpected element that might just become your new favorite comfort food.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy a deliciously unique culinary adventure!
📖 Recipe Card: Banana Kofta Curry
Description: A delicious and unique vegetarian curry featuring spiced banana koftas simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal with a twist.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 2 cups tomato puree
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Mix mashed bananas, gram flour, chopped onion, green chilies, and salt to form a dough.
- Shape the mixture into small balls (koftas) and shallow fry in oil until golden. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and ginger-garlic paste; sauté until fragrant.
- Add tomato puree, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt; cook for 10 minutes on medium heat.
- Whisk yogurt and add to the curry, stirring continuously to avoid curdling.
- Add garam masala and simmer the gravy for 5 minutes.
- Gently add the koftas to the curry and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or roti.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 40 g
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