Introduction
Nargisi Kofta Recipe is a popular Pakistani dish made with boiled eggs wrapped in spiced minced meat and cooked in a thick, flavorful gravy. It’s often served on special occasions and family dinners because of its rich taste and elegant look.
The name “Nargisi” comes from the flower “Nargis,” as the cut kofta resembles its shape. This dish combines juicy meat, aromatic spices, and creamy boiled eggs, making it both delicious and filling.
You can serve Nargisi Kofta with naan, roti, or steamed rice. It’s a perfect blend of traditional flavor and modern taste, enjoyed by everyone at the table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Minced beef or mutton | 500 g | Freshly minced preferred |
| Boiled eggs | 4 | Peeled |
| Raw egg | 1 | For binding the mince |
| Onions | 2 medium | Finely chopped |
| Ginger garlic paste | 2 tbsp | Fresh gives better taste |
| Red chili powder | 1 tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Coriander powder | 1 tsp | For flavor balance |
| Cumin powder | 1 tsp | Roasted preferred |
| Garam masala | ½ tsp | For aroma |
| Salt | To taste | As needed |
| Oil | ½ cup | For frying and cooking |
| Tomatoes | 3 medium | Finely chopped |
| Yogurt | ½ cup | Whisked |
| Fresh coriander | 2 tbsp | For garnish |
| Green chilies | 2 | Optional |
| Water | As needed | For gravy consistency |
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Mince Mixture
use a bowl, mix minced beef or mutton with chopped onion or ginger or garlic paste, red chili, coriander, cumin, salt, and garam masala. Add a raw egg to bind the mixture. Mix well until smooth.
Step 2 – Wrap Boiled Eggs
Take 1 boiled egg,use a cover it evenly with the mince mixture, and shape it into a smooth ball. Repeat for all eggs. Make sure there do not cracks in the coating.
Step 3 – Fry the Koftas
Sautee on a moderate flame, leaving the koftas to simmer golden brown on all sides. Keep to the tissue paper to soak up excessive oil.
Step 4 – Prepare the Gravy
Take the same pan, pour some oil and fry onions to a golden color. Then, add pasted ginger and garlic, red hot pepper, cumin, and coriander powder. Mix all. Add a tomatoes and simmer until they are melted down.
Step 5 – Add Yogurt and Water
Incorporate the whisked yogurt into the mixture and mix it for 2–3 minutes. After, put in a tiny bit of water to tune the thickness. Allow it to cook slowly for a few minutes.
Step 6 – Add Koftas to Gravy
Gently place the fried koftas in the gravy. Cover and cook on low flame for 10–12 minutes so the flavors mix well.
Step 7 – Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh coriander and green chilies. Serve hot with naan or rice.
Cooking Time & Serving
| Type | Time |
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
| Servings | 4–5 people |
Tips & Tricks
• Eggs should be coated with smooth fine mince.
• Boil eggs just right so that they do not break while being wrapped.
• Before frying, cooling the koftas for 10 minutes will help keep them firm.
• Gravy will get rich and creamy texture if yogurt is used.
• Light version of koftas is possible by baking them instead of frying.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
History of Nargisi Kofta
Nargisi Kofta is a best tasty dish that had its origin in the Mughal Empire and was served in royal kitchens. It spread later to Pakistan and India, particularly during Eid or family gatherings. The dish is a mixture of the Persian and South Asian cooking styles, as it brings together the food of the two regions in one pot with the use of the same aromatic spices, meat, and eggs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• The mince wrapped too thickly around the eggs makes it difficult for even cooking.
• Improper sealing of these mince might lead to the frying breaking the coating.
• Excessive oil may result in the dish being greasy.
• Cooking gravy for too long could lead to koftas getting dried out.
Storage Method
Allow the koftas to get completely cool. Keep them in an airtight container with gravy in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2 days. To heat them again, put them on low flame with a bit of water to keep the texture. Do not place them in the microwave directly as it can make the meat tough.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use chicken mince instead of beef or mutton?
Answers, Yes, chicken mince works well too. The taste will be slightly lighter.
Q2: Can I prepare koftas in advance?
Answers, Yes, you can prepare and store uncooked koftas in the fridge for a day before frying.
Q3: What can I serve with Nargisi Kofta?
Answers, Serve with naan, paratha, or steamed rice for the best flavor.
Q4: Can I make it less spicy?
Answers, Yes, reduce chili powder and add a little cream or yogurt to balance the spice.
Conclusion
Nargisi Kofta is a very delicious and traditional dish of Pakistan. It consists of hard-boiled eggs, mince with spices, and thick curry which is liked by all. The dish can be made at home very easily with basic ingredients.
Try this Nargisi Kofta recipe and share your feedback in the comments. Enjoy your meal.
More Recipes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rApdDLwp_gM
https://quickrespices.com/jerk-fish-a-flavorful-jamaican-recipe-for-your-table1/
https://quickrespices.com/crispy-jalebi-recipe-easy-pakistani-sweet-delight/