Shahi Jamun Kofta Curry Recipe – Carrot & Onion Kofta in Creamy Gravy

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Shahi Jamun Kofta Curry Recipe – Carrot & Onion Kofta in Creamy Gravy

Introduction

Oh, this Shahi Jamun Kofta Curry… it’s a hug in a bowl! I remember the first time I made this, trying to impress my in-laws. It was a bit of a gamble, combining the sweetness of jamun with savory koftas, but it was a huge hit. It’s a little bit special, a little bit indulgent, and totally worth the effort. This isn’t your everyday curry; it’s a showstopper. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Shahi Jamun Kofta Curry is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. You get the soft, melt-in-your-mouth koftas, packed with grated carrot and onion, swimming in a rich, creamy gravy. The subtle sweetness from the jamun mix is beautifully balanced by the aromatic spices. It’s a unique dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s surprisingly satisfying!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• 1.5 cup jamun mix
• 0.25 cup carrot, grated (about 30g)
• 0.25 cup chopped onions (about 30g)
• 1 tablespoon coriander leaves, chopped (about 7g)
• 1 big onion, finely chopped (about 150g)
• 2 tomatoes, chopped (about 200g)
• 5 cashews (about 30g)
• 1 tablespoon oil (15ml)
• 0.75 teaspoon shahi jeera (about 3g)
• 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste (about 10g)
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder (about 5g)
• 0.75 teaspoon garam masala powder (about 4g)
• 1 tablespoon fresh cream (about 15ml)
• 0.33 cup milk (about 80ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few tips to make sure everything comes together perfectly:

• Jamun Mix: This is the star! Jamun mix is a pre-made blend used in Indian sweets, giving the koftas a unique flavor and texture. You can usually find it in Indian grocery stores or online. It’s traditionally made from dried jamun fruit pulp, flour, and spices.
• Shahi Jeera: Also known as black cumin, shahi jeera has a more intense, smoky flavor than regular cumin. It adds a lovely depth to the gravy. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with regular cumin, but the flavour won’t be quite the same.
• Cashews: Don’t skip these! Cashews contribute to the creamy texture of the gravy. They blend beautifully into a smooth, rich base. You can soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before blending for an even smoother result.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, let’s make the koftas. In a bowl, combine the jamun mix, grated carrots, chopped onions, and coriander leaves.
2. Gradually add water, a little at a time, and mix until you form a soft, pliable dough. It shouldn’t be too sticky.
3. Shape the dough into lemon-sized balls. Set them aside while you prepare the gravy.
4. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully fry the koftas in hot oil until they’re golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
5. Drain the fried koftas on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Now for the gravy! Pressure cook the chopped onions, tomatoes, and cashews with 1.5 cups of water for 2 whistles. Let it cool completely.
7. Blend the pressure-cooked mixture into a smooth puree.
8. Heat a little more oil in the same pan. Add the shahi jeera and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
9. Add the puree to the pan. Mix in the red chilli powder and garam masala powder. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. Stir in the fresh cream and milk. Bring the gravy to a gentle boil.
11. Gently add the fried koftas to the gravy just before serving.
12. Garnish with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the koftas. Fry them in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
• For a richer gravy, you can add a tablespoon of butter along with the oil.
• Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Variations

• My Family’s Touch: My mom always adds a pinch of cardamom to the gravy for an extra layer of aroma.
• Paneer Power: For a different texture, you can add crumbled paneer (Indian cheese) to the kofta mixture.
• Potato Twist: A little mashed potato in the kofta mix can make them even softer.

Vegan Adaptation

Want to make this dish vegan? It’s easy!

• Substitute the fresh cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
• Ensure your jamun mix is vegan-friendly (some may contain dairy).

Gluten-Free Adaptation

For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free jamun mix. There are several brands available online and in Indian grocery stores.

Spice Level Adjustment

• Mild: Reduce the red chilli powder to ½ teaspoon.
• Medium: Use 1 teaspoon of red chilli powder (as per the recipe).
• Hot: Add an extra ½ teaspoon of red chilli powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Festival Adaptations

This Shahi Jamun Kofta Curry is perfect for special occasions like Diwali, Eid, or any festive gathering. It’s a dish that feels celebratory and indulgent.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with roti, naan, or rice. A side of raita (yogurt dip) complements the richness of the curry beautifully.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The koftas may soften slightly upon reheating.

FAQs

• What is Jamun Mix and where can I find it? Jamun mix is a pre-made blend used in Indian sweets, made from dried jamun fruit pulp, flour, and spices. You can find it in Indian grocery stores or online.
• Can I make the koftas ahead of time? Yes, you can! Make the kofta dough and shape the balls, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying.
• What is the best way to prevent the koftas from becoming too hard? Don’t overcook the koftas when frying. Fry them until golden brown, but not too dark.
• Can I use a different type of nut instead of cashews? You can try using almonds, but the flavour and texture won’t be quite the same. Cashews really lend themselves to a creamy gravy.
• How can I adjust the sweetness of the gravy? If you prefer a less sweet gravy, reduce the amount of jamun mix in the koftas or add a squeeze of lemon juice to the gravy.
• What is Shahi Jeera and can I substitute it? Shahi jeera (black cumin) has a smoky flavour. If you can’t find it, regular cumin is a substitute, but the flavour will be different.