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Nargisi Kofta - Exquisite Mughlai Egg Curry Recipe

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    ChefPandas
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🍲 About This Dish

Nargisi Kofta is a cherished dish in Mughlai cuisine, known for its intricate flavors and royal origins. Dating back to the Mughal era in India, this dish was often served in elaborate feasts for the nobility, showcasing the culinary expertise of the Mughal chefs.

🌶️ Ingredients Overview

  • For the Koftas (Egg Balls):
    • Boiled Eggs (Ande)
    • Ground Lamb or Chicken (Keema)
    • Besan (Gram Flour)
    • Garam Masala
    • Salt
    • Oil (for frying)
  • For the Gravy :
    • Onions (Pyaz)
    • Tomatoes (Tamatar)
    • Ginger-Garlic Paste
    • Turmeric Powder (Haldi)
    • Red Chili Powder (Lal Mirch)
    • Coriander Powder (Dhania)
    • Cashew Nuts (Kaju)
    • Cream
    • Ghee
    • Fresh Coriander (Dhania) for garnish

✨ What Makes It Special

Nargisi Kofta showcases regional variations across India, with each region adding its unique touch to the dish. While the Mughlai version features a rich and creamy gravy, other regions may use a tangier tomato-based sauce or include a variety of nuts for added texture and flavor.

📝 Ingredients

For the Koftas:

  • 4 boiled Eggs
  • 250g Ground Lamb or Chicken
  • 2 tbsp Besan (Gram Flour)
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for frying

For the Gravy:

  • 2 Onions, finely chopped
  • 2 Tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1 tsp Red Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Coriander Powder
  • 10-12 Cashew Nuts, soaked and ground to a paste
  • 2 tbsp Cream
  • 2 tbsp Ghee
  • Fresh Coriander for garnish

🥄 Spice Blend (Masala)

To make the garam masala:

  • 1 tbsp Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
  • 1 tbsp Coriander Seeds (Dhania)
  • 1/2 tbsp Black Peppercorns (Kali Mirch)
  • 1/2 tbsp Cloves (Laung)
  • 1/2 inch Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini)
  • 2-3 Green Cardamom Pods (Elaichi)

Dry roast the whole spices and grind them into a fine powder.

👨‍🍳 Preparation Method

  1. Prepare the kofta mixture by combining ground meat, besan, garam masala, and salt. Divide it into portions to cover the boiled eggs.
  2. Wrap the kofta mixture around each boiled egg to form a smooth coating.
  3. Heat oil in a pan and fry the koftas until golden brown. Set aside.
  4. In a separate pan, heat ghee and sauté onions until golden brown.
  5. Add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook until the spices release their aroma.
  6. Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
  7. Stir in the cashew paste and cream to create a rich, creamy gravy.
  8. Gently place the fried koftas in the gravy and simmer for a few minutes.
  9. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

⏰ Timing Guide

  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Nargisi Kofta pairs beautifully with fragrant basmati rice or Indian breads like naan or roti. A side of cooling raita or a fresh salad can balance the richness of the dish. Serve hot for a delightful dining experience.

💭 Chef's Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with paneer or mixed vegetables for the koftas.
  • Adjust the spice levels according to your preference to make it milder or spicier.
  • To enhance the flavor, you can sprinkle some saffron-infused milk over the koftas before serving.

📦 Storage

Store any leftover Nargisi Kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain the gravy's consistency.

Enjoy the royal flavors of Nargisi Kofta, a culinary gem that continues to captivate food enthusiasts with its rich heritage and exquisite taste.