The Mughals were many things and one can critique their reign and one can praise them but they were an influential lot and contribute to several of India’s many splendored art forms and architecture etc. For the ones who think with their stomachs though their biggest contribution would be their immense influence in the culinary arts, bringing in several traditional cuisines from all over the world to India on becoming a hot pot of cuisines churning them out all unique and flavorful in their own right. 

Some of them like the Tandoori, Kebab, Biryani are world famous, then there are other dishes which infused with the mughlai cuisines developed into new dishes. Out such contribution to the culinary world from the mughals would be the introduction of the malai kofta.

What is the malai kofta?

Malai Kofta

 Basically it is like a meatball except that it contains no meat. Yes!! The vegetarian answer to the meatball the malai kofta is instead made of various vegetables like potato raw bananas, carrots, sweet potatoes various other root vegetables along with greens such as chilies, peas, corianders etc which would be marinated with an assortment of spices which would then be rolled in balls known as koftas and when this is perfectly combined it becomes this amazing mesh of spice and vegetables. To complete this, the malai is then added on to it with an addition of aromatic spices to complete the full malai kofta.

One can enjoy the dish fried which is often found used as appetizers in restaurants or alongside gravy which is cooked with yogurt, cream and spices. This enhances the taste of the dish as it makes the kofta from its crunchy texture to a softer spongy texture which is great when served along with a gravy. The gravy along with the kofta makes for a unique amalgamation of spices and vegetables and is guaranteed to have you wanting for more. 

 One can enjoy malai kofta with bread, naan or with rice. Often prepared during special events and occasions, it is a great dish to serve for joyous occasions like parties, the only problem being there won't be enough left for your guest as they keep on coming back for more. You can find the dish often included in the menus of indian restaurants not just in the nation but also worldwide. It has become over time an iconic dish that represents the identity of the nation in the world stage and because of its deliciousness and vegan ingredients is quite the hit amongst vegan communities.