Pakistani Kofta Curry (Meatball Curry)

Ingredients for the meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp green chili paste
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic paste
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 2-3 tbsp freshly chopped cilantro leaves

Method for meatballs

• Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and form into desired size meatballs and set aside.

Ingredients for Curry (gravy portion of the dish)

• 1 large onion diced
• 1 cup crushed canned tomatoes (you can also puree 2 med tomatoes)
• 1 green chili pepper slit in half
• 4 tbsp veg oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 1 inch cinnamon stick bark
• 3-4 green cardamom pods
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 3 tbsp plain yogurt- mix in a bowl until smooth before adding to curry
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups hot water
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1-2 tbsp freshly chopped cilantro

Method

1. Heat a large pot over high heat. Add in the oil and whole spices (cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon stick) and allow them to sizzle for a few seconds.
2. Add the chopped onion and saute , mixing often, for 7-8 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Lower the heat to medium high and add in the ginger garlic pastes and saute another 2 minutes.
4. Add crushed tomatoes and green chili and mix well, add powdered spices (except garam masala) and salt, mix again. Now add stirred and smooth yogurt, turn heat down to medium low and mix and let it cook or 5-6 minutes or until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
5. Add the 2 cups of hot water and increase the heat to bring to a boil. When the water comes to a boil, lower the heat to the lowest setting. Once it has stopped boiling, gently arrange the meatballs (kofta) in a single layer in the pot.
6. Raise the heat to medium, cover and allow it to cook for 10 minutes. Uncover and gently stir the meatballs.
7. Turn the stove down to low, cover and allow it to simmer for another 30 minutes, stirring once in between until cooked through.
8. Taste for salt and add more if needed, sprinkle garam masala and gently stir. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with rice, naan or roti. Enjoy!