Nargisi Kofta is a popular Indian dish made with boiled eggs wrapped in a flavorful minced meat mixture, deep-fried, and served in a rich gravy. The name “Nargisi” refers to the narcissus flower, which the dish supposedly resembles due to its appearance when sliced.
Here’s a basic recipe to make Nargisi Kofta:
Ingredients for Kofta:
- Hard-boiled eggs: 6
- Minced meat (usually lamb or beef): 500g
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tablespoon
- Green chilies: 2, finely chopped
- Coriander leaves: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
- Garam masala powder: 1 teaspoon
- Red chili powder: 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: for frying
Ingredients for Gravy:
- Onions: 2, finely chopped
- Tomatoes: 2, finely chopped
- Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tablespoon
- Cashew nuts: 10-12, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Yogurt: 1/2 cup
- Red chili powder: 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Coriander powder: 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh cream: for garnish
- Coriander leaves: for garnish
Instructions:
- Start by preparing the kofta mixture. In a bowl, mix minced meat with chopped onions, ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, coriander leaves, garam masala powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
- Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Flatten each portion and wrap it around a hard-boiled egg, ensuring the egg is completely covered with the meat mixture.
- Heat oil in a deep pan for frying. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the meat-wrapped eggs into the oil and fry until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the oil and drain excess oil on paper towels. Set aside.
- To make the gravy, heat oil in a separate pan. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute. Then add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
- Drain the soaked cashew nuts and add them to the pan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then transfer it to a blender and blend into a smooth paste.
- Return the paste to the pan. Add yogurt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Cook for a few minutes until the oil separates.
- Add water to adjust the consistency of the gravy. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Carefully add the fried koftas to the gravy. Let them simmer in the gravy for 5-7 minutes.
- Once done, garnish with fresh cream and coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with rice or Indian bread of your choice.
Enjoy your Nargisi Kofta!
