Raw Banana & Paneer Koftas

Koftas are basically meatballs originating from Middle Eastern and South Asian countries. Most of the times Koftas are made out of meat as the name suggests. But we have a wide variety of vegetarian Koftas. They are made of any starchy vegetable like potatoes etc. Or they have paneer, khoya and dry fruits like Malai Koftas.

Today I've made Koftas out of raw banana or plantain and paneer. Extremely yummy served with chappatis or rice. 

Ingredients : 

For kofta: 

2 plantains , boiled and grated. 

1/2 packet of paneer

1/2 onion , chopped 

2 chili chopped

Coriander leaves chopped

1/2 tsp coriander powder

1/2 tsp Garam masala 

Salt to taste 

2 tbsp besan (chickpea flour) 

Method: 

Grate the plantain and paneer. Add chopped onions, chili, coriander leaves, spices and besan. Mix well and make round balls out it. Generally the Koftas are fried, but this time I've cooked them in kuzhipaniyaram pan with very less oil. Once golden brown keep aside. 

For gravy : 

1 big onion

2 tomatoes

1 clove garlic

1 inch ginger

10 pieces cashew nuts

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp coriander powder

1 tsp garam masala. 

Salt to taste 

1/2 tsp kasuri methi powder

1tbsp cream. 

Method: 

Grind the onion, tomato, ginger, garlic and cashewnuts. Heat about 2 tbsp of oil in a kadai/ pot. Add one piece each of cinnamon, clove and cardamom. Add 1/4 tsp of cumin seeds. Once it splutters add the ground paste. Add all the spice powders except the kasuri methi. Fry till oil separates. Add about half a cup of water and boil the gravy. Finally add the kasuri methi and cream. Switch of the gas and add the Koftas. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with chappatis or rice.