Soya Malai Kofta Curry, Completely Vegan

Soya chunks are one of the important source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. Last month, I invited one of my family friend, whose daughter has recently turned Vegan. It was quite a challenge to make something interesting and complete meal for her. So I thought to make Soya Malai Kofta for her, that too completely Vegan. It was a big hit in the party, everybody loved it and it is no doubt a healthy and powerpacked dish. I decided from now on I'll make malai kofta this way only. You should also give this a try.

Ingredients :

FOR KOFTAS
Soya chunks : 1 cup
Potato : 2(medium)
Beancurd(Tofu) : 1 cup(grated)
Salt : 1 tsp.
Red chilli powder : 1 tsp.
Cumin powder : 1 tsp.
Coriander powder : 1 tsp.
Green chilli : 1(finely chopped)
Cornstarch/corn flour : 4-5 tblsp.
Fresh coriander leaves : a handful(finely chopped)

FOR GRAVY

Oil : 2 tblsp.
Onion paste : 1/2 cup(paste of 2 onions)
Garlic-ginger paste : 2 tblsp.
Salt to taste
Turmeric powder : 2 tsp.
Coriander powder : 2 tsp.
Red chilli powder : 1 tsp.
Garam masala powder: 1 tsp.
Cashewnut paste : 2 tblsp.
Tomatoes, pureed : 2, or tomato puree : 2/3 cup
Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

Method :

• Making koftas : Soak soya chunks in bowlful of hot water for 15 minutes. Then put them in a food processor and crumble them finely. Meantime, boil the potatoes and grate tofu. When done, mix crumbled soya, mashed potatoes and grated tofu together. Mix all the other ingredients listed for kofta in the mix. Add enough cornflour to shape the mixture into small lemon sized ball. Keep aside.
• Heat sufficient oil in a kadai and deep-fry the koftas until golden brown. Drain on absorbent paper.
• Making Gravy : Heat two tablespoons oil in a pan, add onion paste and saute until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, coriander powder and red chilli powder and sauté for two minutes. Add cashewnut paste and cook for two to three minutes. Add tomato puree and continue to cook till oil surfaces. Add two cups of water and cook for further ten minutes. Add salt and garam masala powder and mix. 
• Finally, when gravy thickens, remove and garnish with coriander leaves. 
• Serving : Arrange fried koftas in serving dish and just before serving, pour the warm gravy over the koftas. Serve hot.