Plant-Based Meatball Kofta Curry

What is Kofta Curry

Kofta Curry is a flavorful dish originating from Indian, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern cuisine, featuring succulent meatballs or vegetable balls simmered in a rich, creamy, and spicy onion-tomato curry. The koftas are typically grilled, broiled, or fried before being added to the curry, which is infused with a blend of fragrant spices.

This Kofta Curry Masala recipe is a dairy-free version that combines plant-based meatballs (koftas) with a tangy and creamy tomato sauce. The curry base is perfectly spiced, delivering a balance of flavors that make each bite a delight. The veggie koftas are packed with flavor, offering a satisfying alternative that doesn't compromise on taste or texture. Even without meat or dairy, this Indian curry is sure to please.

A popular vegetarian version of this dish is Malai Kofta, made with paneer and khoya, which is more elaborate and indulgent, perfect for special occasions. This vegan meatball curry, on the other hand, is a simpler, weekday-friendly recipe that still offers all the warmth and comfort of traditional Kofta Curry.

To Cook the Vegan Meatballs

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking oil. Place the plant-based meatballs on the tray and bake for 8-10 minutes.
2. Carefully flip the meatballs over and bake for another 8-10 minutes. Chef Tip: To keep the meatballs moist, avoid overbaking. They may still appear pink or red when done, which is normal. If you're unsure, follow the cooking instructions on the packaging. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and set them aside until ready to add to the curry.

To Prepare the Masala Base

1. Heat a grill pan and add vegan ghee. Add the chopped bell peppers, chopped tomatoes, garlic, and green chilies to the pan. Season with salt.
2. Grill the vegetables until you see grill marks forming on them, then transfer them to a plate.
3. Allow the grilled veggies to cool down completely. Transfer the cooled vegetables to a blender.
4. Blitz into a smooth paste. If needed, add ¼ cup of water to help with blending. Keep this ground masala paste aside for now.

To prepare the sauce for vegan meatballs

1. Heat vegan ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, and when they begin to splutter, add ginger paste and a bay leaf. Fry for 30 seconds.
2. Add chopped onions and part of the chopped cilantro. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and sauté until the onions turn translucent.

3. Add the prepared masala base and salt to the pan. Pour in a cup of water (adjusting as needed for your desired consistency) and cook covered on a medium flame for 4-5 minutes.
4. Add turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, mixed herbs, sugar, and chili powder. Stir well and cook for another minute to blend the flavors.

5. Add the cooked plant-based meatballs to the pan and let them simmer until fully infused with the flavors of the spices and sauce. The curry sauce should be thick enough to coat the koftas evenly.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro, crushed Kasoori methi, and a sprinkle of garam masala. For a richer consistency, drizzle vegan sour cream on top, stir it in, and then take the curry off the flame.

Garnish this vegan Kofta Curry with chopped cilantro and a swirl of vegan sour cream for added richness. Stir it in just before taking the curry off the flame to enhance the flavor and consistency. This veg kofta curry is the ultimate comfort food and can be served in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion—from casual family dinners to festive celebrations.

• With Bread: Serve this delicious meatball kofta curry with gluten-free roti, Buckwheat crepes, naan, scones, or any other flatbread.
• With Soup: Pair it with a bowl of Tomato Soup, Dal Shorba, or Broccoli Soup for a cozy, satisfying meal.
• With Rice or Grains: Kofta Curry also pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, Jeera Rice, Peas Pulao, quinoa, other grains, or cauliflower rice.
• On the Side: Enjoy it with some roasted papad, a refreshing Tomato Salad, Cucumber Salad, mashed potatoes, or chilled Masala Chaas Popsicles.
• With Drinks: These vegan meatballs with gravy can be served with a Watermelon Rose drink, Mango Lassi, or Rose Lemonade.
• As Wraps: These koftas can even be used to make wraps, sandwiches, or stuffed pitas, combined with salad vegetables and your favorite spreads.

Meatless meals like this one offer endless serving possibilities, making it a delightful addition to your meal rotation.

Top recipe tips 💭

Use red or orange bell peppers to achieve a vibrant, beautiful gravy color. The meatballs can be pan-fried, air-fried, or deep-fried for different textures. If frying, be sure to thaw frozen meatballs first to avoid uneven cooking. Fried meatballs will have a crispier texture. For an extra creamy gravy, add coconut milk to the Kofta curry sauce.

Recipe FAQs 📖