Delicious Vegetarian Koftas To Make For Winter
By Suprita Mitter
January 26, 2025
Vegetarian koftas are dumplings made from ingredients like paneer, vegetables, or lentils, blended with aromatic spices. Soft on the inside and often crispy outside, they are versatile and perfect for pairing with rich gravies or enjoying as a standalone snack.
Kachche Kele Ka Kofta
These koftas are made from unripe bananas, known for their starchy texture and mild flavour. The bananas are boiled and mashed, then mixed with spices and chickpea flour to form soft, flavourful balls. They are typically served in a tangy and spicy tomato-based gravy.
Paneer Kofta
Paneer koftas are popular as a celebratory dish mainly because of their soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture. These koftas are often stuffed with a filling of nuts and raisins, adding a delightful sweetness to this rich dish.
Lauki Kofta
Lauki kofta, made from bottle gourd (lauki), is usually cooked in North Indian homes. It transforms this humble vegetable into something extraordinary. Lauki koftas are typically served in a lightly spiced tomato or yoghurt-based gravy, which adds a tangy and savoury dimension to the dish.
Malai Kofta
Malai kofta is an indulgent and creamy dish. The koftas are made from a mixture of mashed potatoes and paneer, blended with spices to form smooth, round dumplings. These are then stuffed with a rich filling of nuts, such as cashews and almonds, before being deep-fried.
Spinach Kofta
Fresh spinach leaves are finely chopped and combined with chickpea flour, spices, and herbs to create green koftas that are packed with flavour. These koftas are then fried or baked.
Cabbage Kofta
Cabbage kofta is an innovative and tasty way to eat cabbage, turning this often-overlooked vegetable into a delightful dish. Shredded cabbage is combined with gram flour, spices, and herbs to form batter-like balls.
Mixed Vegetable Kofta
Mixed vegetable kofta combines various vegetables to create flavourful and nutritious dumplings. Common ingredients include potatoes, carrots, peas, and beans, which are mashed together with spices and herbs. It is a great way to use up leftover vegetables.