These fried Indian vegetable balls in a fragrant coconut sauce are one of the most delectable Indian dishes. They are somewhat time-consuming but worth it.
SERVES 4 TO 6
1 cup frozen peas, thawed and mashed
2 large potatoes, peeled, boiled, and mashed
2 medium carrots, finely diced and cooked
2 slices good-quality white bread, moistened with water, squeezed very dry and crumbled
1 tablespoon ground coriander
ВЅ teaspoon turmeric
Вј teaspoon ground cumin
Вј teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons sugar
Вѕ teaspoon salt
Flour for dusting
Oil for frying
SAUCE
Вј cup Ghee or butter
1 medium onion, minced
1ВЅ teaspoons minced fresh ginger
1 cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf
ВЅ teaspoon ground cardamom
ВЅ teaspoon turmeric
1ВЅ teaspoons ground coriander
1ВЅ teaspoons ground cumin
Вј teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 largeВ tomatoimage, peeled, seeded, and chopped
2ВЅ cupsВ coconut milkimage
ВЅ teaspoon salt
- To make the koftas: Combine the mashed peas, mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, moistened bread, and all of the flavorings in a large bowl and mix well.
- Place some flour on a plate in front of you. One by one form the mixture into 1ВЅ-inch balls, then roll in the flour to coat.
- Pour enough oil into a large skillet to reach ВЅ inch up the sides of the pan. Heat the oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Fry the balls, turning them often, until they are golden brown and very crisp on the outside. Drain on paper towels and set aside. Discard the oil.
- To make the sauce: In the same skillet heat the ghee or butter. When hot add the onion and all of the spices, and saut for 2 minutes.
- Add the tomato and stir to blend. Add the coconut milk and salt, stir, and boil the mixture for 3 minutes. May be prepared to this point in advance; cook within 8 hours. Chill the sauce and koftas separately.
- Preheat the oven to 350В°F. Place the koftas in a large shallow baking dish and pour the sauce over them. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Alternatively, add the koftas to the sauce in the skillet and cook together, covered, on top of the stove for 20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.