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RECIPE

Mum’s beef kofta curry

A Middle Eastern favourite transformed into an Indian staple

articlemain
  • place PRE
  • place COOK 1hr 30 mins
  • place SERVES 6 - 8
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Photo courtesy of: Jewish Food Society


Method
  • Start by preparing your kofta balls. In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef, 1 diced onion, breadcrumbs, coriander, garlic, beaten egg, ginger, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 ½ tsp cumin, 1 ½ tsp salt, and 1 tsp turmeric.
  • Using your hands, mix all the ingredients until well combined.
  • Shape them into 40 meatballs, about 1 heaped tablespoon each, and place them on a baking parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the meatballs for 5-6 minutes until they are browned on all sides. Once done, transfer them to a plate with a slotted spoon, and repeat with the remaining meatballs.
  • Make the curry. Saute the two remaining diced onions in the same pot over medium heat for 12 minutes. Then add the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 2 ½ teaspoons of ground coriander, 1 ½ teaspoons of cumin as well as the garam masala and curry powder. Add 2 tablespoons of water, give everything a good stir, and fry for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the spices do not burn. Then add in the tomato puree, tomato paste, and 480 ml of just-boiled water. Mix well.
  • Gently add in your kofta balls, increase the heat and bring the curry to a boil.
  • Lower to a simmer, and cook for 45-55 minutes, stirring intermittently until the cooking liquid has reduced into a thick sauce.
  • Serve warm with rice.
Ingredients

750g minced beef



3 medium-sized onions, finely diced, divided into three piles



60g breadcrumbs



A small handful of fresh coriander, finely chopped



4 cloves garlic, finely minced



1 egg, beaten



3cm piece of ginger, finely diced



4 ½ tsp ground coriander, divided



3 tsp ground cumin, divided



3 tsp Kosher salt, divided



2 tsp ground turmeric, divided



2 tbsp rapeseed oil



2 ½ tsp garam masala



2 tsp curry powder



3 tbsp tomato purée



400g tomato passata


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