Lamb Kofta Madras
Spiced lamb meatballs simmered in a tangy madras sauce. A hearty curry that kids and adults both like.
Made with Madras paste and Ginger and garlic paste. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time50 mins
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £1.86 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
In a bowl mix the mince with your ready made ginger garlic paste (see the base recipe), the cumin, ground coriander and half a teaspoon of salt. Shape into 16 small balls.
- 2
Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a wide pan over a medium high heat. Brown the koftas in two batches for 5 minutes, turning. Set aside.
5 min - 3
Add the remaining oil and the onion and cook for 6 minutes.
6 min - 4
Stir in your ready made madras paste (see the base recipe) and fry for 2 minutes.
- 5
Add the tomatoes and water and simmer for 8 minutes.
8 min - 6
Return the koftas, cover and simmer for 15 minutes, turning once, until cooked through with no pink inside. Scatter with coriander and serve with rice.
15 min
Tips
- Wet your hands when shaping so the mince does not stick.
- Chill the shaped koftas for 15 minutes to help them hold together.
- Check they are cooked through by cutting one open. There should be no pink inside.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 1 to 2 hours and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Can I use beef or turkey mince?
Yes. Beef works the same. Turkey is leaner, so add 1 tbsp more oil to the mix and do not overcook.
Why are my koftas falling apart?
The mix may be too wet or the pan too crowded. Chill them first and turn gently.
Can I bake the koftas first?
Yes. Bake at 200C (180C fan) for 15 minutes on a tray, then add to the sauce for the last 10 minutes.
More made with madras paste
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.