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    Home » Gravies » Kofta Curry with Plant-Based Meatballs

    Published: Aug 1, 2020 · Modified: Aug 2, 2020 by Priya * This post may contain affiliate links.

    Kofta Curry with Plant-Based Meatballs

    Recipe Print
    2 image collage of Spicy Kofta Curry with Plant-Based Meatballs with text in the middle
    Spicy Kofta Curry with Plant-Based Meatballs in a pan with a spoon in it with text at the bottom left
    a round serving pan filled with Spicy Kofta Curry with Plant-Based Meatballs with text at the top
    a pan of Spicy Kofta Curry with Plant-Based Meatballs with frozen meatballs on the side with text at the top

    A classic kofta curry made with the best plant-based meatballs! These easy-to-make vegan kebabs give this meatball curry a tasty and authentic flavor. Plus, you can serve this for dinner in just 30 minutes! 

    This post is sponsored by Pure Farmland™. The opinions and text are all mine.

    a pan of Spicy Kofta Curry with Plant-Based Meatballs with frozen meatballs on the side

    Table of Contents

    • What is Kofta?
    • Trending now
    • What’s not to love about these saucy spiced meatballs?
    • The best plant-based meatballs
    • Other ingredients needed
    • Here's how to make it
    • Serving suggestions
    • Top tips, recommendations, and suggestions
    • Some vegan curries that are my favorites
    • Kofta Curry with Plant-Based Meatballs

    What is Kofta?

    In Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, a kofta is a meatball, meatloaf, or skewered meat mixture. Yes, koftas or kebabs are usually made of meat, but they can also be made of veggies and/or cheese. 

    Kofta curry in turn is a delicious dish of succulent grilled or broiled meat/veggie meatballs in a rich, creamy, and spicy sauce. It is full of fragrant spices and makes a great weeknight dinner. 

    Trending now

    I have always enjoyed a good kofta curry but I must admit that it is a bit of hard work to first prepare the koftas, cook them, and then prepare the curry. But I’ve found an easy way to create this dish without having to compromise on the taste! I decided to swap the homemade vegan kebabs for the best plant-based meatballs in town! 

    It turned out to be a perfect fit, giving this Indian vegan kebab curry an abundance of savory and slightly spicy flavor - while whittling down the prep time to almost half! That's a win-win!

    a round serving pan filled with Spicy Kofta Curry with Plant-Based Meatballs

    What’s not to love about these saucy spiced meatballs?

    These Pure Farmland plant-based meatballs can easily be a go-to for dinner in any household and here's why - 

    • This recipe has all the traditional flavor of old-fashioned kofta but it’s made in an easier, quicker, and more accessible way.
    • These meatballs are tender, so juicy, and so good.
    • This vegan kebab curry is vegan and gluten-free.
    • Can be made under 30 minutes.

    The best plant-based meatballs

    2 frozen meatballs in the package placed on a table

    Like I mentioned before, I used Pure Farmland™ Italian Style Plant-Based Meatballs in this recipe instead of making the koftas from scratch. And I must say, Pure Farmland makes some delicious plant-based meatballs! They also make some yummy plant-based burger and breakfast patties, and a variety of other plant-based choices that are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and they all taste delicious.  I’m really excited to try the Pure Farmland savory Original and Maple Plant-Based Breakfast Patties next time I go to Publix! You can save on Pure Farmland products at Publix during the Best You promotion at Publix!

    Made in the USA, from purposely chosen ingredients, Pure Farmland products are always gluten-free, dairy-free, and made with natural flavors. They provide a good amount of protein. So it doesn't matter if you are following a plant-based lifestyle or trying to cut down on meat, you will want to try these products out!  

    You can purchase them at Publix in the frozen aisle.

    What I also love about Pure Farmland is that its products come in trays made with more than 50% recycled material and they need not be frozen. They only need to be refrigerated!

    Other ingredients needed

    all the ingredients needed to make Spicy Kofta Curry with Plant-Based Meatballs placed on a table with labels on them

    It may look like a plethora of ingredients, but trust me, each one has a crucial role to play. The herbs and spices are what give this dish its vibrant flavor, not to mention differentiate this vegan meatball curry from the rest of the world’s meatball dishes. So, apart from Pure Farmland Italian Style Plant-Based Meatballs (really the best plant-based meatballs out there), here is the list of ingredients that we need to make this lip-smacking meatball kofta curry. 

    • Veggies - onions, tomatoes, bell peppers
    • Herbs - mint, and cilantro
    • Spices - green chilies or jalapeno, bay leaf, oregano, turmeric, cumin (whole and ground), coriander powder, garam masala, paprika, and curry powder. 
    • Ginger paste and garlic
    • Sour cream - vegan or dairy depending upon your dietary preference. 

    Here's how to make it

    2 image collage showing how to make Spicy Kofta Curry with Plant-Based Meatballs  using frozen meatballs

    The recipe is divided into two parts. First, we need to cook plant-based meatballs. The best way to cook them is by baking. Microwave preparation is not recommended. 

    1 - Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil. Spray cooking oil all over the foil and then place the Pure Farmland Italian Style Plant-Based Meatballs in the tray. Bake for 15 minutes. 

    2 - Take the tray out, carefully flip the meatballs over, and continue to bake for another 10 minutes. To keep the meatballs moist, be sure to not over bake them. Take them out and keep these cooked plant-based meatballs aside for now. Could they be any easier to make?

    4 image collage to show how to make the masala base for Spicy Kofta Curry with Plant-Based Meatballs

    While the plant-based meatballs are baking in the oven, prepare the masala base for the kofta curry.

    1 - Roughly chopped red bell peppers. Heat a grill pan, add cooking oil, and then grill the chopped bell peppers. Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt while it's grilling. Once grill marks show up on the peppers, take them out onto a plate.

    2 - Roughly chop tomatoes and green chilies. In the same grill pan, heat oil and then add the roughly chopped tomatoes, garlic, and green chilies. Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt while they grill. Once you see grill marks, take them out and place them onto a plate. Set aside.

    3 - Allow everything to cool down completely and then transfer the ingredients from steps 1 and 2 to a blender. Blitz to make a smooth paste. If needed add little water to help you blend. 

    4 - Masala base for the kofta curry is now ready. 

    4 ste collage showing the process to make Spicy Kofta Curry with Plant-Based Meatballs

    Now it's time to prepare the plant-based meatball curry.

    1 - Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and once they begin to splutter, add ginger paste and bay leaf. Fry for 30 seconds and then add chopped onions, mint, and part of the chopped cilantro. Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt and sauté for a minute or until the onions turn translucent. 

    2 - Now add the prepared masala base to the pan. Add 1-2 cups of water or vegetable stock (depending upon the consistency you desire) and cook this covered for 4-5 minutes on medium flame to get the desired consistency. 

    3 - Then we need to add the spices - turmeric, ground cumin, coriander powder, oregano, curry powder, paprika, and garam masala along with kosher salt. Stir it all in and continue to cook for another minute. 

    4 - Add the cooked Pure Farmland Plant-Based Meatballs to the pan and carefully coat them with the curry. 

    one hand holding the pan filled with Spicy Kofta Curry with Plant-Based Meatballs and the other digging in with a spoon

    Serving suggestions

    Garnish with chopped cilantro and vegan sour cream for a richer consistency. Stir it in and take it off the flame. This vegan kebab curry recipe screams comfort food to me! There are so many ways to serve this plant-based meatball curry. 

    Serve this delicious meatball kofta curry with naan or any other flatbread. It also tastes great with steamed rice, cooked quinoa, any other grains, or cauliflower rice. We like it with some mashed potatoes and Cucumber Buttermilk on the side as well. These koftas can be even used to make wraps, sandwiches, and stuffed pitas with salad vegetables and other dips. The spices are perfectly balanced and every bite is such a delight!

    a set of hands holding a pan of Spicy Kofta Curry with Plant-Based Meatballs

    Top tips, recommendations, and suggestions

    Use red/orange bell peppers to get a beautiful gravy color. Dairy/non-dairy yogurt can be used in place of sour cream to get a creamy consistency and to balance the heat. Feel free to use any curry powder you have. Garnish with kasoori methi/dried fenugreek leaves as well for more flavor. 

    The meatballs can be air fried instead of baked! Cooked vegan kebab curry can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add 2-3 tablespoons of water before reheating on the stove or microwave as the curry thickens after cooling.

    You can batch cook this dish to freeze. Otherwise, since we are already using frozen meatballs, you can prepare the masala curry and freeze it separately. That way, when you want to make this dish, thaw the masala base and heat it up. Simultaneously also bake the meatballs and toss them into the gravy

    Spicy Kofta Curry with Plant-Based Meatballs  in a pan with a partially lifted lid

    Some vegan curries that are my favorites

    • Kovalam Green Peas Curry
    • Sri Lankan Mixed Veggies
    • Black Eyed Peas Chili
    • Chickpea Potato Curry
    • Garlicky Spinach Peas Fenugreek Curry

    Spicy Kofta Curry with Plant-Based Meatballs  in a pan with a spoon in it

    If you’ve tried this Kofta Curry with Plant-Based Meatballs or any other recipe on the blog please let me know how it went by commenting below, I love hearing from you!

    You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes and what I’m getting up to.

    one hand holding the pan filled with Spicy Kofta Curry with Plant-Based Meatballs and the other digging in with a spoon

    Kofta Curry with Plant-Based Meatballs

    A classic kofta curry made with the best plant-based meatballs! These easy-to-make vegan kebabs give this meatball curry a tasty and authentic flavor. Plus, you can serve this for dinner in just 30 minutes! 
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 312.24kcal
    Author: Priya Lakshminarayan

    Equipment

    pan

    Ingredients 

    To cook plant-based meatballs

    • 16 oz plant-based meatballs
    • cooking oil spray

    To prepare the masala base

    • 1 tsp cooking oil
    • 2 red bell peppers roughly chopped
    • Kosher salt
    • 1 tsp cooking oil
    • 2 tomatoes roughly chopped
    • 2-3 green chilies
    • 4-5 cloves garlic
    • Kosher salt
    • water as needed

    To prepare the plant-based meatball curry

    • 1/2 tbsp cooking oil
    • 2 tsp cumin seeds
    • 1 tbsp ginger paste
    • 1-2 bay leaf
    • 1 onion finely chopped
    • 1/4 cup mint leaves
    • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
    • Kosher salt or regular salt
    • 1-2 cups water or vegetable stock
    • 1 tsp turmeric powder
    • 1 tsp ground cumin
    • 1 tsp coriander powder
    • 1 tsp paprika
    • 1 tsp oregano
    • 1/2 tbsp curry powder
    • 1 tsp garam masala
    • 2-3 tbsp vegan sour cream

    Instructions

    To cook plant-based meatballs

    • The best way to cook them is by baking. Microwave preparation is not recommended.
    • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil. Spray cooking oil all over the foil and then place the Pure Farmland Italian Style Plant-Based Meatballs in the tray. Bake for 15 minutes.
    • Take the tray out, carefully flip the meatballs over, and continue to bake for another 10 minutes. To keep the meatballs moist, be sure to not over bake them. Take them out and keep these cooked plant-based meatballs aside for now.
    • While the plant-based meatballs are baking in the oven, prepare the masala base for the kofta curry.

    To prepare the masala base

    • Roughly chopped red bell peppers. Heat a grill pan, add cooking oil, and then grill the chopped bell peppers. Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt while it's grilling. Once grill marks show up on the peppers, take them out onto a plate.
    • Roughly chop tomatoes and green chilies. In the same grill pan, heat oil and then add the roughly chopped tomatoes, garlic, and green chilies. Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt while they grill. Once you see grill marks, take them out and place them onto a plate. Set aside.
    • Allow everything to cool down completely and then transfer all the ingredients to a blender. Blitz to make a smooth paste. If needed add little water to help you blend.
    • Masala base for the kofta curry is now ready.

    To prepare the plant-based meatball curry

    • Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and once they begin to splutter, add ginger paste and bay leaf. Fry for 30 seconds and then add chopped onions, mint, and part of the chopped cilantro. Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt and sauté for a minute or until the onions turn translucent.
    • Now add the prepared masala base to the pan. Add 1-2 cups of water or vegetable stock (depending upon the consistency you desire) and cook this covered for 4-5 minutes on medium flame to get the desired consistency.
    • Then we need to add the spices - turmeric, ground cumin, coriander powder, oregano, curry powder, paprika, and garam masala along with kosher salt. Stir it all in and continue to cook for another minute.
    • Add the cooked Pure Farmland Plant-Based Meatballs to the pan and carefully coat them with the curry.
    • Garnish with chopped cilantro and vegan sour cream for a richer consistency. Stir it in and take it off the flame.
    • Serve this delicious meatball kofta curry with naan or rice.

    Notes

    Use red/orange bell peppers to get a beautiful gravy color. Dairy/non-dairy yogurt can be used in place of sour cream to get a creamy consistency and to balance the heat.
    Feel free to use any curry powder you have. Garnish with kasoori methi/dried fenugreek leaves as well for more flavor. 
    The meatballs can be air fried instead of baked! Cooked vegan kebab curry can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add 2-3 tablespoons of water before reheating on the stove or microwave as the curry thickens after cooling.
    You can batch cook this dish to freeze. Otherwise, since we are already using frozen meatballs, you can prepare the masala curry and freeze it separately. That way, when you want to make this dish, thaw the masala base and heat it up.
    Simultaneously also bake the meatballs and toss them into the gravy

    Nutrition

    Calories: 312.24kcal | Carbohydrates: 28.39g | Protein: 23.09g | Fat: 12.63g | Saturated Fat: 2.31g | Sodium: 684.79mg | Potassium: 660.91mg | Fiber: 9.27g | Sugar: 7.85g | Vitamin A: 2858.74IU | Vitamin C: 91.24mg | Calcium: 111.16mg | Iron: 4.49mg
    Tried this Recipe? Share your creation by tagging me on Instagram @Cookilicious using #cookiliciousveg!
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    Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. For more information on my Affiliate and Advertising Policy, please click here.

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    Comments

    1. Amanda says

      October 13, 2021 at 5:34 am

      5 stars
      My family loved this, even my picky 12 year old ate two bowls! There were no leftovers and they begged me to make it again next week. This is definitely going in our meal rotation!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        October 13, 2021 at 12:11 pm

        thank you so much! Glad you and your family enjoyed it. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Kankana says

      August 05, 2020 at 6:02 pm

      The plant based meatball sounds amazing! I need to get hold of these.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 05, 2020 at 8:40 pm

        Thank you so much Kankana! Means a lot coming from you.

        Reply
    3. Anita says

      August 05, 2020 at 5:19 pm

      5 stars
      This is perfection! The flavor is amazing, and it tastes just like the one from my favorite Indian restaurant. 🙂

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 05, 2020 at 8:41 pm

        Thank you

        Reply
    4. Irina says

      August 05, 2020 at 4:27 pm

      5 stars
      I love this meatball curry recipe! It sounds amazingly delicious! I cannot wait to give it a try.:)

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 05, 2020 at 8:42 pm

        Yes, do try it..its really yumm

        Reply
    5. Cate says

      August 05, 2020 at 4:15 pm

      This looks sooo delicious and comforting! Beautiful pictures too, YUM!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 05, 2020 at 8:42 pm

        Thank you so much 🙂

        Reply
    6. Amy D says

      August 05, 2020 at 4:14 pm

      5 stars
      I keep seeing these meatballs at the market and need to finally pick some up. I love how you infused them with so much fresh and delicious flavor.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 05, 2020 at 8:43 pm

        Yes, definitely worth buying..do check them out..Thank you

        Reply
    7. Marie-Charlotte Chatelain says

      August 05, 2020 at 3:56 pm

      5 stars
      OMG this looks so flavorful and love the idea of the meatless koftas! Saved!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 05, 2020 at 8:43 pm

        Thank you so much

        Reply
    8. rika says

      August 04, 2020 at 3:26 pm

      5 stars
      I really have to try those plant-based meatballs! My husband and I try to eat less meat, and of course we love curry!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 04, 2020 at 4:53 pm

        yes, then do try it..its really yumm..thank you

        Reply
    9. Ashley says

      August 04, 2020 at 3:11 pm

      5 stars
      I love love love Kofta from my local restaurant, Chai Pani, and these were so close to what I've had there!!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 04, 2020 at 4:56 pm

        Then I am sure you will love this dish..do give it a try. Thanks. 🙂

        Reply
    10. Emily Liao says

      August 04, 2020 at 3:01 pm

      5 stars
      This combination was so delicious! First time having plant based meatballs and loved it!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 04, 2020 at 4:57 pm

        Glad you liked it. Thank you

        Reply
    11. Roxana says

      August 04, 2020 at 2:11 pm

      5 stars
      I love koftas. And now its nice to have one that is plant based. Thanks for sharing about this nice product.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 04, 2020 at 2:34 pm

        Thank you. Glad you like it

        Reply
    12. Rosemary says

      August 04, 2020 at 1:35 pm

      Looks divine!! Even though I am a meat eater, these kofta balls look tasty. I love the combination with the masala meat ball curry. Yum!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 04, 2020 at 2:33 pm

        Thank you so much

        Reply

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