Shaam Savera

Ingredients list for Shaam Savera

Kofta

• 5 medium bunches (1200 grams) fresh spinach                                                         
• 65 grams cottage cheese (paneer), grated            
• Salt to taste
• A pinch of green cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons oil + for deep frying
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 10-12 garlic cloves, finely chopped                                                   
• 6-7 green chillies, finely chopped                              
• 4 tablespoons gram flour (besan)
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ¼ cup cornstarch                                                                    

Makhni gravy

• 18 large tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 12 green cardamoms  
• ½ blade of mace (javitri)
• 20 garlic cloves, chopped  
• Salt to taste
• 2½ teaspoons Deghi mirch powder
• ½ cup butter
• 2 teaspoons roasted and powdered dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi)
• 3 teaspoons honey
• 8 tablespoons fresh cream

Method

1. Trim the spinach leaves and blanch them in eight cups of boiling water for two to three minutes. Drain and refresh under cold water. Squeeze out the excess water, cool and chop finely. Transfer into a deep bowl.
2. In another bowl mash the paneer with a little salt and a pinch of green cardamom powder. Divide into eight equal portions and roll into balls.
3. Heat two tablespoons oil in a non stick shallow pan, add the cumin seeds, garlic and  green chillies and sauté.  Add the gram flour and continue to sauté for one to two minutes.  Add the turmeric powder and stir.  Add the spinach and salt sauté, stirring continuously, until the mixture is dry and begins to leave the sides of the pan.  Set aside to cool.   Divide into eight equal portions.
4. For the makhni gravy puree the tomatoes till smooth. 
5. Heat the oil in a deep non stick pan. Add the cardamoms and mace and sauté for one minute or till fragrant.  Add the garlic and sauté for one minute. 
6. Add the tomato puree and salt and mix well. Add the red chilli powder and cook for fifteen minutes or till the raw flavour of tomatoes disappear.  Add the butter and cook for some more time.
7. Take each spinach portion, flatten it on your palm and place a paneer ball in the center.  Gather the edges and shape into a ball.  
8. Spread the cornstarch in a plate and rolls the stuffed spinach balls in it.  Shake off the excess.
9. Heat sufficient oil in a kadai.  Gently slide in the stuffed spinach balls, two at a time, and deep fry on low heat for two to three minutes or till golden brown.  Drain on absorbent paper.   
10. Add the dried fenugreek leaves and honey to the gravy.  Stir and cook for five minutes more.  Add the cream and cook for two minutes more. 
11. Pour the makhni gravy into a serving bowl, halve the koftas and place on the gravy and serve immediately.

Nutrition Info