Malai Kofta (also referred to as vegetable kofta)

North Kofta Kebabs in Spicy Cream Sauce Malai Kofta
Ingredients for 4 servings
NOT low in calories OR salt

KOFTA:
2 lg Russet potatoes, boiled, peeled, mashed
1/2 c Green peas, fresh or frozen
1/4 c Shredded Cheddar cheese
1 Fresh hot green chile, chopped
1/2 ts Ground coriander
1 ts Cumin seeds
1 1/2 ts Salt
1/4 c Chopped cashew nuts
1 tb Raisins
3/4 c Chick-pea flour or corn flour (can get the chick pea flour at an indian market or the corn flour almost anywhere)
1 c Water
Mild vegetable oil for deep frying

SPICY CREAM SAUCE:
8 Whole cashew nuts
2 Whole cloves
1 pn Nutmeg
1/2 Inch cinnamon stick
1 Garlic clove, peeled
2 tb Unsalted butter
1 lg Onion, grated
1 pn Turmeric
2 ts Paprika
1/2 ts Ground coriander
1/2 ts Cayenne pepper
1 ts Salt
1 c Half-and-half
1 c Water
1/2 c Heavy cream
2 tb Chopped fresh cilantro


Instructions
Kofta, a classic dish of Moghul origin, is one of the most important preparations of Indian vegetarian cuisine. Traditionally, koftas are simmered in a delicate sauce and turned into a curried main dish. These kebabs are wonderful served as cocktail appetizers with a yogurt or fruity dipping sauce.
The kofta: Combine potatoes, peas, cheese, chile, coriander, cumin, salt, cashews and raisins. Form mixture into 1-inch balls.
Make a batter with the flour and water. Season with pinch of salt, if desired.
Heat oil to 375 degrees F in a deep fryer or large heavy saucepan. Dip balls into batter to coat completely, and deep-fry until brown (do not crowd), about 4 minutes. Set aside.
(If you want the kebabs to remain firm, put them on a heated serving platter, and tent with foil. To serve, bring cream sauce to a boil and pour over kebabs.)
The sauce: Grind cashews, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and garlic with a little water to make a fine paste. Set aside.
Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute until wilted; stir in ground paste and cook 2 minutes.
Add turmeric, paprika, coriander, cayenne and salt. Stir in half-and-half and water. Reduce heat and simmer about 15 minutes.
(May be prepared 2 days ahead, cooled, covered and refrigerated.)
Stir in cream and kofta kebabs. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.