Chicken Kofta with Lemon and Mushroom Sauce: Step-by-Step

Chicken kofta with lemon and mushroom sauce is a delightful and nutritious dish that perfectly balances flavor and health benefits. This recipe is an ideal choice for a light, protein-packed meal that is quick and easy to prepare at home. Using simple ingredients like ground chicken, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables, this dish delivers a delicious and comforting taste. Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare the perfect chicken kofta, along with tips to enhance the flavor.

Ingredients

For the Kofta:

• 500 grams of ground chicken breast
• 1 small onion, grated and drained
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup fine breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon mixed spices
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup cooking cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil
• Juice of one lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

Making the Kofta:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with the grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, coriander (if using), salt, pepper, mixed spices, and lemon juice. Mix everything together until well combined and the mixture is soft and cohesive.
2. Shape the mixture into medium-sized balls. You can use a tablespoon to ensure the balls are evenly sized.
3. Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the kofta balls and fry them until golden brown on all sides. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the sauce later.

Making the Sauce:

1. In the same skillet (after removing the kofta), add the butter or oil and heat it over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their moisture.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
4. Add the cooking cream, lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Gently place the kofta balls into the sauce and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the kofta to cook through and the flavors to meld together.

Serving:

• Serve the chicken kofta with lemon and mushroom sauce alongside white rice, pasta, or fresh bread. For a complete meal, you can also pair it with roasted potatoes or a light salad.
• Garnish the dish with chopped parsley or lemon slices for an extra burst of freshness.

Additional Tips:

• For a more pronounced lemon flavor, feel free to add more lemon juice to the sauce.
• You can enhance the flavor further by incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a small amount of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water before adding the cream.

Note: This recipe is not only delicious but also light and nutritious. It provides a great source of protein from the chicken and health benefits from the mushrooms. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is sure to be a favorite!