Vegetable Kofta Simmered in Tomato Gravy
Spiced potato and spinach kofta balls simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, a flavorful vegetarian curry from North Indian cuisine. This indian-inspired indian (vegetarian) ready in about 65 minutes pairs medium potato, spinach, small onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 medium potato
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 cup cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Grate 1 medium potato and combine with 2 cups chopped spinach, 1 small chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder, 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix well, then add 1/4 cup breadcrumbs and form into 12 small balls.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add kofta balls and cook for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 cup tomato puree, 1/2 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon garam masala. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add browned kofta to sauce and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until kofta are heated through.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup cream and cook for 2 minutes until warmed through and sauce thickens.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vegetable Kofta Simmered in Tomato Gravy take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (30 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Vegetable Kofta Simmered in Tomato Gravy?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium potato from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetable Kofta Simmered in Tomato Gravy?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Vegetable Kofta Simmered in Tomato Gravy for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Vegetable Kofta Simmered in Tomato Gravy vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight dinner. The tomato gravy was rich and the koftas held together well.
- ★★★★★
Loved the flavors! My kids devoured these koftas. Easy to make and healthy.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe, but the koftas were a bit bland without extra spices. Next time I'll add more cumin.
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