Ultimate Kofta Tomato Coconut Curry Recipe – Bold, Spiced & Unbelievably Tender
This Kofta Curry is a rich, aromatic dish featuring tender meatballs simmered in a bold, spiced tomato and coconut milk based sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or meal prep, it’s packed with deep flavour and pairs beautifully with rice or naan. If you’re after a comforting curry that delivers on every level—this is the one.
Kofta Curry
Ingredients
Koftas
- 2 Tbsp (28g) - Ghee or Clarified Butter
- 1 - Brown (Yellow Onion), Diced
- 500g (1.1lb) Lamb Mince or Beef, Pork, Chicken or Turkey
- 2 tsp (8g) - Garam Masala
- Salt & Pepper
Masala Blend
- 2 ½ tsp (10g) - Garam Masala
- 2 tsp (8g) - Ground Cumin
- 1 ½ tsp (6g) - Ground Coriander
- 1 tsp (4g) - Ground Turmeric
- 1 tsp (4g) - Kashmiri Chilli Powder
Gravy (Sauce)
- 1 Tbsp (14g) - Ghee or Clarified Butter
- 1 - Brown (Yellow Onion), Diced
- 3 - Garlic Cloves, Grated
- 10g (0.3oz) - Ginger, Peeled & Grated
- 1 - Green or Red Chilli, Roughly Chopped (Optional)
- 1 Bunch - Coriander (Cilantro), Leaves & Roots Separated
- 1 Can (400g) - Diced or Crushed Tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp (30g) - Concentrated Tomato Paste
- 200ml (200g) - Chicken Stock
- 1 Cup (250ml) - Coconut Milk
- Salt & Pepper
Basmati Rice
- ½ - Cinnamon Stick
- 3 - Green Cardamom Pods
- 3 - Whole Cloves
- 2 tsp (8g) - Whole Cumin Seeds
- 1 ½ Cups (300g) - Basmati Rice, Washed
- 600ml (600g) - Cold Water
- Pinch of Salt
Method
- Place a large, high-rimmed pan over medium-high heat. Add half of the ghee and diced onion and saute for 5-6 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Add mince to a bowl with the sautéed onions, garam masala, salt, and pepper. Mix well and portion into even-sized koftas (meatballs). Set aside.
- Place the same pan back over medium heat and add the remaining half of ghee or clarified butter. Add the koftas and sear for 5-6 minutes or until browned all over. Remove from the pan to rest. Don't worry; the koftas will not be fully cooked at this stage.
- Using the same large, high-rimmed pan again, place it over medium heat and add the ghee or clarified butter. Add the onions and saute for 8-10 minutes or until soft, mixing regularly. Add the garlic, ginger, coriander roots, stems, and chilli and saute for 2 minutes, mixing regularly. Add the spices and cook for 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken stock, and coconut cream and bring to a simmer, mixing well. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 10 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly. Add the koftas and any resting juices and cook for 10 minutes to finish cooking the koftas and for the gravy to reduce to a thick, saucy consistency. Check the seasoning and remove from the heat.
- For the rice, add all of the spices to a saucepan over medium heat and toast for 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly cracking. Add basmati rice, cold water and a pinch of salt and boil over high heat. Place on a lid, lower the heat, and cook for 12 minutes. Turn off the heat and steam for 4 minutes. Remove the lid, and fluff with a fork or spatula.
- Serve the koftas with the curry and naan (optional). Garnish with fresh coriander (cilantro). Dig in.
The above nutrition guide is based on daily averages and is calculated for a single portion.
Recipe Notes
Kofta Tomato Coconut Curry Storage Instructions
Fridge
Store leftover kofta curry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the rice and curry separate if possible to maintain texture. Its perfectly fine to put them together if meal prepping.
Freezer
Kofta curry freezes well! Transfer to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Portioning before freezing makes thawing easier. Thaw overnight before rehating.
Kofta Tomato Coconut Curry Reheating Instructions
From Fridge
Place the curry in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or stock if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5–7 minutes.
For rice, reheat in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top to prevent drying out.
From Frozen
Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop as above, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot throughout.
✅ Tip: Avoid boiling the curry too hard when reheating to keep the koftas tender and juicy.
Watch How To Make The Recipe
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