Print

Kofta Curry (Meatball Curry) Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 74 reviews

Kofta Curry is a flavorful meatball curry made with spiced ground beef meatballs cooked in a rich tomato and yogurt-based sauce infused with aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, coriander, and fenugreek leaves. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect served with rice or flatbread and features tender koftas broiled for a slightly charred exterior before simmering in a thick, spicy curry sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs (Koftas)

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, grated
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 tablespoons panko bread crumbs (or 2 tbsp chickpea flour)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon chopped mint (or 1 teaspoon dry mint)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala (or tikka masala)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or red chili powder)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (use more if needed)

Curry Sauce

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons ginger garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (or paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 chili pepper, chopped (jalapeno, cayenne, or serrano)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1½ cups crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup whole yogurt, whipped
  • 2 tablespoons fenugreek leaves (fresh chopped or 1 tbsp dried)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)
  • Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, egg, panko bread crumbs, chopped cilantro, chopped mint, ginger garlic paste, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and olive oil. Mix and knead well for 3 to 4 minutes, then let the mixture rest.
  2. Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into 16 smooth, cylindrical or round koftas. Arrange them spaced on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
  3. Broil Meatballs: Place the baking sheet under a broiler on high heat and cook the meatballs for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until slightly browned. Monitor closely as broiling times vary by oven. Alternatively, you can grill the koftas. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
  4. Start the Curry Sauce: Heat olive oil in a cooking pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  5. Add Spices: Stir in ginger garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, and salt, mixing well to coat the onion mixture with spices.
  6. Add Tomatoes and Peppers: Add chopped chili peppers and tomato paste. Stir for 2 minutes, then add crushed tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes to develop the sauce.
  7. Incorporate Yogurt and Fenugreek: Mix in whipped yogurt and stir thoroughly to combine. Add fenugreek leaves for a signature flavor note.
  8. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in 1 cup water (adjust as needed) and stir. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 20 minutes until oil begins to surface on top. Optionally, blend the sauce for a smoother texture.
  9. Add Koftas to Sauce: Gently place the broiled koftas into the simmering sauce. Adjust seasoning and sauce consistency as desired.
  10. Final Simmer: Increase heat to medium-high until the curry bubbles, then reduce to low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes allowing the koftas to cook through and absorb flavors.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top. Optionally drizzle heavy cream or additional whipped yogurt before serving. Enjoy the kofta curry hot with rice or flatbread.

Notes

  • Broiling times can vary by oven; keep an eye to avoid overcooking meatballs.
  • You can substitute chickpea flour for panko breadcrumbs to keep it gluten-free.
  • Fenugreek leaves add a distinctive earthy flavor—both fresh and dried can be used.
  • If sauce is too thick, add a little more water to reach desired consistency.
  • Blending the sauce can make it smoother and more uniform in texture.
  • Meatballs do not have to be completely cooked during broiling as they cook fully in the curry sauce.
  • Serve kofta curry with basmati rice or warm naan bread for a full meal.

Keywords: Kofta Curry, Meatball Curry, Indian Meatballs, Spiced Beef Kofta, Indian Curry Recipe

Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/kofta-curry-meatball-curry-recipe/