Chicken Kofta Balls In Kashmiri Cashew Saffron Sauce Food

KASHMIRI LAMB CURRY WITH SAFFRON

Steps:

• 1. In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in the cream about 30 minutes, or until needed.2. Heat the oil in a large nonstick wok or saucepan over medium-high heat and add the cloves, cinnamon, and asafoetida, then add the lamb, fennel, cayenne pepper, ginger, and salt. Add the yogurt, a little at a time, stirring constantly to prevent it from curdling, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until all the yogurt is absorbed and the meat starts to brown, 15 to 20 minutes.3. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, adding a tablespoon of water every time the meat gets sticks to the bottom of the pan, until the meat is well-browned, about 20 minutes.4. Add the water and cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until the meat is fork-tender, the sauce is thick and almost clinging to the pieces, and all the oil has separated to the sides, 10 to 15 minutes. (If the meat is not tender, add about 1/2 cup more water, cover the pan, and simmer on low heat until soft.) Spoon out all the excess oil, transfer to a serving dish, add the saffron-cream, and swirl lightly to mix, with parts of it visible as a garnish. Sprinkle the garam masala on top and serve.From "1,000 Indian Recipes." Copyright 2002 by Neelam Batra. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

CHICKEN KOFTA BALLS IN KASHMIRI CASHEW-SAFFRON SAUCE

Steps:

• 1. To make the kofta balls: Place the almonds, ginger, cilantro, 2 tsp. fennel seeds, 1 teaspoon garam masala, black pepper, and cardamom seeds in a medium skillet and dry-roast, stirring and shaking the skillet, over moderate heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Let cool, transfer to a food processor, and process until finely ground.2. Add the chicken and 1/2 teaspoon salt and process until minced. Add the egg and process once again. Remove to a bowl and divide the mixture into 25 equal but unevenly shaped balls. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.3: To make the sauce: In a clean food processor, process together the cashews, ginger, garlic, green chili peppers, 1 teaspoon garam masala, and saffron until minced. Add the milk and process again to make a smooth paste.4. Heat the oil in a large nonstick wok or saucepan over medium heat and cook the bay leaves and cinnamon about 30 seconds. Add the cashew paste and cook over medium heat, stirring, until golden, about 5 minutes.5. Add the tomatoes, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook, stirring, until all the juices evaporate and traces of oil are visible on the sides, about 7 minutes. Add the water and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and cook, stirring, over high heat until the sauce comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer about 10 minutes.6. Add the chicken kofta balls and simmer about 20 minutes, adding the lemon juice, cilantro, and 1 tsp. ground fennel during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with the reserved cilantro and garam masala, and serve.From "1,000 Indian Recipes." Copyright 2002 by Neelam Batra. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.