Paneer Cheese Balls with Creamy Spiced Cashew Sauce (Malai Kofta)

Ingredients

• Cheese Balls

  • 2 russet potatoes, unpeeled, about 1 lb (450 g)
  • 1 block (3/4 lb/340 g) paneer cheese, cubed
  • 1/4 cup (35 g) cornstarch
  • 1 serrano chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

• Sauce

  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 3 green cardamom pods
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cinnamon stick, about 3 inches (7 cm) long
  • 3 tbsp clarified butter, ghee or vegetable oil
  • 2 onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, chopped
  • 3 very ripe tomatoes, cubed
  • 1/4 cup (35 g) raw unsalted cashews
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 tsp ground coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup (250 ml) water
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) 35% cream, plus more for serving
  • 2 tbsp cilantro leaves