Turkey kofta masala (meat balls in a rich gravy)
Christmas celebrations are not complete without a turkey on the table in Britain. Likewise, it is the most relished meat in the United States during Thanksgiving!
I roast a turkey every year during Christmas and I love the entire process from buying to putting it on the table for my family. About 7 years ago, I discovered turkey mince and was very excited to be able to explore different dishes. Also, turkey is lean meat and is more healthy compared to lamb, pork or beef.
Today’s recipe is Turkey koftas in a rich gravy! It is one of my family’s favourite dishes and is a regular for dinner!
- Cuisine: Indian
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
- Serves: 6
Ingredients:
For the koftas (meat balls)- makes 30 medium sized meat balls
- Turkey mince 750 grams
- Cornflour 1 tablespoon
- Garlic paste 1/2 teaspoon
- Ginger paste 1/2 teaspoon
- Cumin powder 1 teaspoon
- Coriander powder 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala powder (blend of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves) 1 teaspoon
- Paprika 1 teaspoon
- Red chilli powder 1/2 to 1 teaspoon
- Salt to taste
- Oil for shallow frying
For the rich gravy:
- Onion, sliced 2 medium
- Tomatoes, chopped 2 large
- Garlic paste, 1/2 teaspoon
- Ginger paste 1/2 paste
- Dry red chillies 2-3
- Cardamoms 2-3
- Cloves 2-3
- Cinnamon 1 inch sticks 2
- Turmeric powder 1/2 tablespoon
- Cumin powder 1 teaspoon
- Fresh cream 2 tablespoons
- Salt to taste
- Oil 3 tablespoons for cooking
- Water 1 cup
Method:
1. Wash the turkey mince and drain the excess water. Tranfer it to a plate and knead it like a dough. Add garlic paste, ginger paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, paprika, red chilli powder, cornflour and salt to taste. Mix all the ingredients well.
2. Divide it into 30 equal parts and roll them into balls.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick pan and shallow fry the meat balls for 2 minutes. Reduce the flame and cover the pan with a lid and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
For the rich gravy:
4. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick pan and add Cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamoms and cook for a minute.
5. Add the sliced onions and saute’ until golden brown. Add the garlic paste and cook for 1 minute. In the meantime, grind the chopped tomatoes, ginger paste and the dry red chillies to a smooth paste.
6. Once the onions are golden brown, add the tomato chilli paste and cook until the oil starts separating. Add 1 cup of water and salt to taste and bring it to a boil.
7. Add the koftas (meat balls) in the gravy and cook for 10 minutes. Add fresh cream and bring it to a boil. Switch off the gas and leave it for a minute.
8. The turkey koftas are ready to be served with a bowl of rice or a flatbread of your choice.