Kofta

Spinach Kofta
-1 bag frozen spinach (or 1 bunch spinach)
-1/2 onion, diced
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-1 tsp cumin
-1 1/2 cup garbanzo flour (besan)
Either thaw and blanch frozen spinach or just blanch fresh spinach. Then rinse in cold water. Remove excess water and chop finely. Combine everything but the besan. Then slowly add besan until koftas can be formed into balls. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 350F for about 20 minutes (until a toothpick or four comes out clear). (Alternatively, the koftas can be deep-fried in oil and then drained on paper towel).

Zucchini Kofta
-3 zucchini, shredded
-salt
-1/2 onion, diced
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-cayenne pepper to taste
-1 1/2 cup garbanzo flour (besan)
Shred the zucchini using either grater or food processor. Sprinkle the zucchini with salt and let sit (to draw out the water). Then add the remaining ingredients except besan and follow directions above for spinach kofta. The zucchini kofta tend to be more wet than the spinach kofta, so you will probably need more besan.

Sauce
-3 tbsp oil
-1 onion diced
-2 tsp coriander seed
-2 tsp cumin, ground
-1 small cinnamon stick
-1 tsp ground cardamom
-1 tsp turmeric
-1 tsp paprika
-1 tsp garam masala
-1/2 tsp salt
-1/2 tomato sauce (1 can chopped tomatoes)
-1 tsp imitation coconut flavor*
-1/2 to 1 cup yogurt
-cilantro for garnish

1. Heat oil over low heat and saute onion until golden. Right before onion is ready, add coriander seed and saute until seeds start to jump. Then add remaining spices and saute until fragrant (about 30 - 60 seconds).
2. Stir in tomato sauce (or chopped tomatoes with juice) and coconut flavor. Bring to a boil.
3. Remove from heat and slowly add yogurt until desired consistency acquired.
4. Add koftas of choice and return to heat. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

*The original recipe called for 1/2 cup yogurt and 1/2 cup coconut milk. To reduce the number of calories and carbohydrates, we decided to use imitation coconut flavor instead and add more yogurt. Coconut flavor can be found at your local grocery store. Check the ingredients of the flavor as it may contain alcohol; although the alcohol will evaporate completely during the cooking process, this may not be acceptable by those with an alcohol-free dietary regimen.

Spinach kofta and sauce courtesy of Thalia Palmer