Punjabi Malai Kofta Recipe | Rich, Creamy Restaurant-Style Curry at Home

Punjabi Malai Kofta Recipe: Make the best Punjabi Malai Kofta at home with this rich, creamy, and delicious restaurant-style recipe. Soft paneer koftas in silky gravy — perfect for special dinners and festive meals.

 

By Amit Kaul
Location: India
Published on: January 29, 2026

 

Punjabi Malai Kofta – The Ultimate Royal Vegetarian Curry

One of the most opulent and cherished foods in North Indian cuisine is Punjabi Malai Kofta. Known for its melt-in-the-mouth paneer koftas and rich, creamy gravy, this curry is a staple at weddings, celebrations, and restaurant menus.

Kofta means fried dumplings, and malai means cream. Together, they create a dish that is indulgent, mildly spiced, and packed with flavor. Unlike regular vegetable curries, malai kofta curry is all about smooth textures, subtle sweetness, and royal presentation.

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Why Punjabi Malai Kofta Is So Popular

1. A classic restaurant-style vegetarian curry
2. Rich, creamy gravy loved by all age groups
3. Ideal for festive and special meals
4. Visually appealing and perfect for food photography
5. A must-have dish in North Indian veg menus

Ingredients for Punjabi Malai Kofta

For Koftas

1. 1 cup grated paneer
2. 2 boiled potatoes (mashed)
3. 2 tbsp cornflour
4. 1 tbsp raisins (optional)
5. 1 tbsp chopped cashews
6. ½ tsp garam masala
7. Salt to taste
8. Oil for frying

For Malai Kofta Gravy

1. 2 tbsp butter or oil
2. 2 onions (finely chopped)
3. 2 tomatoes (pureed)
4. 10 cashews (soaked)
5. 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
6. ¼ cup fresh cream
7. ½ tsp turmeric powder
8. 1 tsp red chili powder
9. 2 tsp coriander powder
10. 1 tsp garam masala
11. 1 tsp sugar (optional)
12. 1 tsp kasuri methi
13. Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Punjabi Malai Kofta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Koftas

In a bowl, mix paneer, mashed potatoes, cornflour, garam masala, and salt. Stuff raisins and cashews into small balls, then shape into koftas. On medium heat, deep fry until golden brown. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Gravy Base

Heat butter in a pan. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until aromatic.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes & Spices

Add tomato puree, turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the oil separates.

Step 4: Add Cashew Paste

Add the soaked cashews to the gravy after blending them into a smooth paste. The thick, creamy smoothness of the curry comes from this.

Step 5: Simmer

Add water to adjust the consistency, then simmer for 5–7 minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Cream & Flavor

Add fresh cream, garam masala, kasuri methi, and a pinch of sugar. Mix well.

Step 7: Add Koftas Before Serving

Place koftas in the gravy just before serving to keep them soft.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot Punjabi Malai Kofta with:

1. Butter naan
2. Tandoori roti
3. Jeera rice or pulao
4. Garnish with cream swirl and chopped coriander for a restaurant-style look.

Punjabi Malai Kofta Recipe: Pro Tips for Perfect Malai Kofta

✔ Use fresh paneer for soft koftas
✔ Do not over-fry koftas
✔ Add koftas just before serving
✔ Cashew paste gives authentic richness

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Conclusion

This Punjabi Malai Kofta recipe is the perfect blend of richness, creaminess, and royal North Indian flavor. Whether for guests or family dinners, this restaurant-style malai kofta curry always impresses.

Make it once, and it will become your go-to festive vegetarian dish!

 

 

 

About the Author

Amit Kaul is a food content writer and digital publisher based in India. He specializes in creating original, experience-driven recipes and home-cooking guides. All recipes published on this website are personally researched, tested, and written by him, following Google’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) guidelines.