Indian Curry Kofta

Delicious Gujerati style of curry, with lamb kofta aka meatballs. A flavor explosion experience.

Chef’s tip: The bread crumbs make the meatballs tender. Add the cream/ yogurt at the end so that it does not break.

Method:

Preparing the meatballs

1. Mix together the meatball ingredients (lamb, egg white, coriander, fennel, garlic, ginger, Serrano, cilantro stems, onion, bread crumbs, salt and black pepper).
2. Using your hands, form into balls about 1 ½ inch diameter.  Place on a lightly oiled baking tray, and bake in a 400°F oven until brown about 12 minutes.  Alternatively, brown meatballs in a large saute pan.
   Preparing the curry
3. In a heavy bottom, oven proof pot, heat ghee on medium high.  Add cumin seeds and bay leaves and fry for about 30 seconds or until the cumin seeds pop.
4.   Add chopped shallots, and cook till translucent, about 3 minutes, then add the garlic and ginger.  Saute under medium heat for about 3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
5. Add remaining dry spices (coriander, cumin, tumeric, cayenne, cloves, cardamoms, cinnamon and salt).  Continue to fry for another 5 minutes until the oil separates.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes and saffron, and simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and add salt if needed.
7. Transfer the meatballs back into the pot, add more broth if necessary to cover the meatballs, and bake covered, in a 400 °F oven (alternatively simmer on low on stove top) for 10 minutes. stirring once or twice gently. Stir in the cream or yogurt.
8. Remove whole spices and mix in chopped cilantro just before serving.
9. Enjoy.