The formal name for this dish is Kofta Curry. But we call it, Indian Meatballs, and it fits. Kofta is a family of meatball or meatloaf dishes found in the Indian subcontinent. Who knew that Indian cuisine had meatballs? In its basic form, koftas are balls of minced or ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, lamb) mixed with onions and spices. I’m told they are also very popular in the Middle East, where lamb predominates. Even the Greeks have a vegetarian version called hortoketftedes.  Let me add, koftas make great sandwiches. If it’s for dinner, the usual accompaniment is boiled rice.

In the recipe given, you can add as much or as little curry powder as you like. I found that, among my Anglo friends, two teaspoons, one each for the kofta and curry sauce, is enough. For a dish more in tune with the Indian palate, then two teaspoons for the meatballs and two tablespoons for the sauce  is more like it.

So, have a change from the usual spaghetti and meatballs. Do it the kofta way.

KOFTA CURRY
(Indian Meatballs)

Ingredients:

1 to 1½ pounds ground pork, beef or lamb
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons curry powder (you can use less, see above)
Salt to taste
Pinch of pepper
1 egg, beaten
Oil for frying

Sauce:
1 medium onion, chopped
3 tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons curry powder (you can use less, see above)
1 tablespoon flour
2/3 cup beef stock or bouillon
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh mint for garnish (about 2 tablespoons)

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, mix together the ground meat, onion, curry powder, salt and pepper.  Bind the mixture with the beaten egg.
  2.  Divide the mixture ito 16 portions, more or less, depending on size, and shaping each one into a ball with floured hands.
  3.  Heat sufficient oil to cover the base of a frying pan or skillet, and fry the meatballs, turning occasionally until they are brown on all sides. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and keep warm.
  4.  In the same pan, fry the onion and tomatoes on medium heat for about  minutes. Add the curry powder and flour, and cook for 2 minutes more. Blend in the stock, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer gently for 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
  5.  Sprinkle with chopped mint to garnish. Serve with boiled rice.
    Yield: 4 servings.