Leeks and Red Cabbage Kofta in Red Pepper, Beets, Chipotle Sauce

The title says it all. This is another kofta recipe, this time, in keeping with my signature fusion cuisine, the sauce is made with Chipotle in Adobo Sauce, Roasted Red Bell Peppers and Beets, along with a few staples for Indian curries. I love the rich, deep red color that these ingredients lend to the sauce, not to mention the unique taste and the antioxidants.

The koftas were made a bit differently this time, from my other kofta recipes. No special reason for making it this way, other than to experiment and bring together ingredients from other cuisines and how they work together. If deep-frying is not an option, then, the koftas can be baked in a 450°F oven (I use the smaller toaster oven for this) till done.

Of course, I don't always include every detail, but, when using leeks, it is preferable to wash it a few times and make sure all the grit in between the layers are gone. Also, I don't measure exactly - I keep adding a little of this and a little of that till it feels right, so, for the koftas below, the measurements are approximate at best.

Ingredients
For the Kofta:
1 cup finely chopped red cabbage
¼ cup finely chopped leeks
2 Tbsp chickpea flour
2 Tbsp rice flour
2 Tbsp dry fine-grain cous-cous
1 Tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
1 tsp salt
water as needed

oil for deep frying

For the Beets, Roasted Red Bell Pepper, Chipotle sauce:
2 Tbsp Chipotle in Adobo sauce
about 12 oz of roasted red bell peppers
¼ cup of diced or grated beets
1 cup tomato sauce
1 Tbsp grated ginger
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 Tbsp Garam Masala powder
1 Tbsp brown sugar (more or less)
salt to taste
water as needed
1 cup plain non-fat yogurt, beaten to be smooth

Preparation

1. Combine the dry ingredients for kofta, adding a little water at a time to form a thick dough that can be shaped into balls; set aside for 5 to 10 minutes while getting the sauce ingredients ready; meanwhile, heat some oil in a pan for deep frying
2. Combine all the ingredients for the sauce, except yogurt and water, and blend into a smooth paste
3. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan, add the sauce paste, saute a bit, then add about a cup of water, turn heat to medium low and allow to simmer for a while
4. While sauce is simmering, fry the shaped kofta balls a few at a time over medium heat so as not to brown the outsides too fast with the insides still uncooked; I usually test the oil temperature by frying one kofta first as I don't really measure the oil temperature, and figure out how long it takes for it to be cooked through
5. When the sauce has thickened and reduced a bit, taste and adjust flavors, turn off heat, allow to cool for about 5 minutes before adding the beaten yogurt
6. Add the beaten yogurt, toss in the koftas and let them sit and absorb the flavors of the sauce for another 5 to 10 minutes; the longer the koftas soak the softer and tastier they get, but too long and they will fall apart easily
7. Garnish with cilantro, spring onions, and a sprinkling of dry dill weed
8. Serve warm with brown basmati rice or naan or rotis