Chicken Mali Kofta
A rich and aromatic chicken curry with spiced tomato sauce, perfect for those who enjoy flavorful, comforting dishes with a touch of heat and creaminess.
Ingredients
- 3 onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ghee or butter ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1-inch piece ginger root, grated ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 pound diced boneless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tomatoes, skinned and mashed ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable stock ⓘ
- 1 or 2 dried red hot peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 cup heavy cream ⓘ
- Chopped coriander leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry the chopped onions in ghee or butter until golden brown.
- Add the garlic, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, ground cloves, and a little water; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the mashed tomatoes and simmer until the mixture forms a thick sauce.
- Pour in the vegetable stock, season with salt and pepper, add chopped red chilies, and bring to a boil.
- Add the diced chicken breasts, cover, and cook until done, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream just before serving.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of garam masala towards the end of cooking. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be used as a shortcut. For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with paneer or chickpeas. Pair with naan or basmati rice for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Mali Kofta over a bed of steamed basmati rice or with warm naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair it with a fresh cucumber raita or a side of vegetable curry for a balanced meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Indian recipes that include lentils or chickpeas.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Mali Kofta contains roughly 306 calories, with 11g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1027mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute boneless chicken breasts with boneless thighs or even turkey. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as different meats may require varying cooking durations to ensure they remain tender and juicy.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the heat, use only one dried red hot pepper or omit it altogether. You can also add a bit more cream or yogurt to the sauce, which will help mellow the spiciness while maintaining the dish's creaminess and flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little water or stock to maintain moisture. This dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).