Kofta Pullao Recipe (Indian Meatballs with Rice Pilaf)
Here’s a recipe for Kofta Pulao, a delicious Indian dish that combines meatballs (koftas) with flavorful rice pilaf. Enjoy!
Ingredients for Kofta:
- 500g ground meat (beef, lamb, or chicken)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- Oil for frying
Ingredients for Rice Pilaf:
- 1 1/2 cups basmati rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2 green cardamom pods
- 2 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups water
- Salt, to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, minced ginger, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, salt, and chopped cilantro. Mix well to form a smooth mixture.
- Shape the mixture into small balls (koftas) and set aside.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadai over medium heat. Carefully add the koftas and fry until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Set aside.
- In a separate large pot, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Saute until the onion turns golden brown.
- Add the cumin seeds, black peppercorns, green cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaf. Saute for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the soaked basmati rice to the pot and stir to coat the rice with spices, ghee, or oil.
- Add water and salt to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
- Once the rice is cooked, gently stir in the fried koftas, not breaking them.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.
Enjoy the delicious and aromatic Kofta Pulao as a main course dish on its own or with a side of raita (yogurt-based side dish) or curry. It’s a perfect meal for special occasions or gatherings with family and friends.