Indian Saffron Paneer Kofta – A Royal Delight in Every Bite

A Story of Tradition and Indulgence

The aroma of saffron and the richness of paneer bring back memories of grand feasts in Indian households. Growing up, I watched my grandmother prepare koftas with care, shaping them into delicate dumplings before dunking them into a fragrant, golden-hued sauce. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a celebration of flavors, a tradition passed down through generations.

Today, I am sharing with you the recipe for Indian Saffron Paneer Kofta, a dish that is both indulgent and comforting. The velvety texture of paneer dumplings paired with the luxurious saffron-infused gravy makes it a showstopper for special occasions. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned cook, this dish is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Aromatic – The combination of saffron, nuts, and cream creates a deeply flavorful dish.
• Restaurant-Style at Home – This kofta recipe is as good as what you’d get in an upscale Indian restaurant.
• Vegetarian Delight – A perfect dish for vegetarians who crave something rich and hearty.
• Perfect for Special Occasions – Impress guests with this luxurious dish at family gatherings or festive dinners.

Ingredients List

For the Paneer Kofta

• Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) – 250g, crumbled
• Boiled potatoes – 1 medium (100g), mashed
• Cornflour – 2 tbsp (20g)
• Green chilies – 1, finely chopped
• Cardamom powder – ¼ tsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Cashews – 8-10, finely chopped
• Raisins – 1 tbsp (optional)
• Oil – For frying

For the Saffron-Infused Gravy

• Onion – 1 medium (100g), finely chopped
• Tomato puree – 1 cup (200g)
• Cashew paste – 3 tbsp (45g)
• Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tbsp (15g)
• Saffron strands – 10-12, soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk
• Fresh cream – ¼ cup (60ml)
• Garam masala – ½ tsp
• Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
• Red chili powder – ½ tsp
• Salt – to taste
• Butter – 1 tbsp (15g)
• Water – 1 cup (240ml)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Koftas

1. Mix the ingredients – In a large bowl, combine crumbled paneer, mashed potatoes, cornflour, green chilies, cardamom powder, and salt. Mix well until it forms a soft dough.
2. Stuff the koftas – Take a small portion of the mixture, flatten it, and place some chopped cashews and raisins in the center. Seal it and roll it into a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
3. Fry the koftas – Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Gently slide in the koftas and fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Saffron-Infused Gravy

1. Sauté the aromatics – In a pan, heat butter over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden brown. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook until fragrant.
2. Cook the base – Add tomato puree, cashew paste, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the oil starts separating.
3. Add saffron magic – Pour in the saffron-infused milk and mix well. Let the flavors meld for 2 minutes.
4. Final touch – Stir in fresh cream and garam masala. Add water to adjust the consistency. Simmer for another 3 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

1. Add koftas to the gravy – Gently place the fried paneer koftas into the warm saffron sauce. Let them absorb the flavors for a couple of minutes.
2. Garnish and serve – Sprinkle some crushed saffron strands and fresh coriander on top. Serve hot with naan, roti, or fragrant basmati rice.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	12g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fats	18g
Fiber	3g
Calcium	180mg

Pro Tips for the Best Kofta

1. Ensure smooth koftas – Mash the potatoes thoroughly to avoid lumps in the dough.
2. Use fresh saffron – For maximum flavor, always use high-quality saffron strands.
3. Fry on medium heat – If the oil is too hot, the koftas will brown quickly but remain uncooked inside.

FAQs

1. Can I bake the koftas instead of frying?

Yes! Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake them for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

2. How can I make the dish vegan?

Substitute paneer with firm tofu and use coconut cream instead of dairy cream.

3. Can I make the koftas in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the koftas a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Fry them just before serving.

4. What can I serve with saffron paneer kofta?

Pair it with butter naan, jeera rice, or a side of cucumber raita.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store the koftas and gravy separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Final Thoughts

Indian Saffron Paneer Kofta is a dish that embodies the richness of Indian cuisine. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive celebration or just indulging in a special meal, its creamy, aromatic flavors will leave you wanting more. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a royal feast!

Thank You 

Thank you for stopping by and exploring this delicious recipe! I hope you enjoy making and savoring Indian Saffron Paneer Kofta as much as I do. If you try this dish, let me know how it turned out in the comments! Happy cooking! 😊