If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that blends the richness of Indian spices with a touch of creamy indulgence, look no further than Stuffed Paneer Kofta Curry. This restaurant-style delicacy is the perfect centerpiece for festive dinners, special occasions, or cozy winter evenings at home.
Soft, melt-in-the-mouth paneer koftas stuffed with nuts and raisins, gently simmered in a rich tomato-cashew gravy — every bite bursts with flavor and warmth. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make this luxurious dish in just five simple steps, turning your kitchen into a fine-dining experience.
Why You’ll Love Stuffed Paneer Kofta Curry
Paneer koftas are a beloved Indian dish often found on festive menus. “Kofta” refers to soft, round dumplings — typically made from paneer (Indian cottage cheese), potatoes, or mixed vegetables — cooked in a velvety curry sauce.
What makes Stuffed Paneer Kofta Curry stand out is the hidden surprise inside each ball — a delicious nutty filling that adds sweetness, crunch, and depth to every bite.
Here’s why it’s worth trying:
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of paneer, cashews, and cream gives it a luscious restaurant-style finish.
- Perfect for Celebrations: Great for holiday dinners, Christmas gatherings, or family feasts.
- Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust spices to suit your taste — mild for kids or extra bold for spice lovers.
- Pairs Well with Everything: Serve with naan, basmati rice, or parathas for a complete meal.
Let’s walk through the easy, 5-step process to make this festive dish from scratch.
Step 1: Gather the Ingredients
For the Koftas
- 1½ cups grated paneer (cottage cheese)
- 1 medium boiled potato, mashed
- 2 tablespoons cornflour or all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garam masala
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- Oil for deep-frying
For the Stuffing
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cashews
- 1 tablespoon raisins
- 1 tablespoon chopped almonds or pistachios
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional)
For the Curry Base
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter
- 1 tablespoon ghee (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 10 cashews, soaked and blended into a paste
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1 cup water (adjust for consistency)
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Step 2: Make the Paneer Kofta Balls
- In a mixing bowl, combine grated paneer, mashed potato, cornflour, salt, garam masala, and chili powder. Mix well until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into small equal portions.
- Flatten each ball slightly and add a small spoonful of the stuffing mixture (cashews, raisins, almonds).
- Seal the edges carefully and roll them back into smooth balls.
Tip:
If the mixture feels sticky, dust your palms with cornflour while shaping the koftas.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium flame. Fry the koftas until golden brown, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Remove and drain them on a paper towel.
These crispy, golden koftas are irresistible on their own — but wait until they soak up that creamy curry!
Step 3: Prepare the Curry Base
This curry is the heart of the dish — rich, aromatic, and loaded with flavors that complement the soft paneer balls perfectly.
- Heat oil and ghee in a deep pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add tomato puree and cook for 4–5 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
- Stir in turmeric, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt.
Now, add the cashew paste and cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously. This step adds richness and smoothness to the gravy.
Step 4: Simmer the Gravy to Perfection
- Add a cup of warm water to the pan and mix well. Bring the curry to a gentle simmer.
- Once it thickens slightly, stir in cream and a pinch of sugar for balance.
- Add garam masala for that final touch of aroma and warmth.
- Simmer for 5 minutes on low heat until the curry reaches a silky consistency.
At this stage, you can taste and adjust salt or spice levels to your preference.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Now comes the best part — bringing it all together.
- Gently place the fried koftas in a serving dish.
- Pour the hot curry over the koftas just before serving. This ensures the koftas stay crisp yet soak in the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, a drizzle of cream, and a sprinkle of crushed nuts.
Your Stuffed Paneer Kofta Curry is ready to serve!
Serve hot with:
- Garlic naan or butter naan
- Steamed basmati rice or jeera rice
- Chapati or paratha
Flavor Variations and Tips
1. Baked or Air-Fried Koftas:
For a healthier version, brush the koftas with oil and bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–20 minutes or air-fry until golden.
2. Vegan Option:
Replace paneer with firm tofu and heavy cream with coconut cream. Use almond milk instead of dairy milk for a rich but plant-based alternative.
3. Add Spinach or Greens:
Mix chopped spinach or kale into the curry for added nutrition and a beautiful green tint.
4. Make It Ahead:
You can prepare the koftas and curry separately in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and combine just before serving.
5. Spice Adjustments:
For a milder curry, reduce chili powder and add a little more cream. For more heat, include a slit green chili or a pinch of crushed pepper.
Nutrition Profile (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Protein: 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
(Values may vary depending on ingredients used.)
Despite its luxurious texture, this dish provides a good amount of protein and calcium from paneer, along with the healthy fats from nuts and cream.
Serving Suggestions for a Festive Feast
Stuffed Paneer Kofta Curry is incredibly versatile and fits beautifully into any festive menu. Pair it with a few of these dishes for a full holiday spread:
- Starters: Vegetable samosas or spiced corn fritters
- Sides: Cumin rice, butter naan, or garlic kulcha
- Drinks: Mango lassi, spiced masala chai, or hot cocoa during winter gatherings
- Desserts: Gulab jamun, gajar halwa, or creamy rice pudding
Add some candles, silverware, and a touch of festive décor — and your dinner table will look restaurant-worthy.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Holiday Cooking
During Christmas or any winter celebration, this dish brings warmth, aroma, and elegance to your table. It’s rich enough for special occasions yet easy to prepare with common pantry ingredients.
Plus, the vibrant orange-red curry fits beautifully into a festive color palette. It pairs perfectly with American holiday classics like mashed potatoes or roasted veggies, blending global flavors seamlessly.
Final Thoughts
With this 5-Step Guide to Cooking Stuffed Paneer Kofta Curry, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen — without complicated steps or exotic ingredients.
It’s a true showstopper for parties, family dinners, or any time you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory — this dish checks every box for a perfect festive meal.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your spices, and bring a little Indian magic to your holiday table.