Spinach Kofta with Eggplant Puree: It's a Tropical Asian Valentine's Party!

Rather than throw my blogging hat into  the ring with all the lovely pink and red heart-shaped puffs, poofs, cookies, pastries, and confections out there, I have instead joined forces with the lovely and talented Maya of Foodiva's Kitchen and Penny aka Jeroxie of Addictive and Consuming to bring you a Tropical Asian Valentine's Extravaganza. 

What, you've never heard of celebrating Valentine's day with some cute little kofta?

It all started when I won this gorgeous book, Tropical Asian Cooking, from Maya in a giveaway:

The book features cuisine from India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and Maldives, and the photography is drop-dead stunning. Flipping through it, I seriously wondered how I would ever choose which dish to make first. But Maya came up with a way to narrow it down: she suggested that the three of us each cook one dish from the book and post about it. Fun! As the book is divided into sections - Tropical Morning, Tropical Noon, and Tropical Night - she had the clever idea that we could each make something from a different section, and in that way present you with an entire day's worth of Valentine's feasting.

To that end, Penny is bringing you breakfast, Maya has lunch covered, and my dish, the spinach kofta with eggplant puree, is from Tropical Night.  Given that my dish is supposed to be for the dinner portion of the day probably means I shouldn't show you this photo ... in which you can just make out the corner of my pajamas as I'm forming the kofta:

Ahem. I am sure that someone thinks that flannel pajamas are romantic.

So okay, I admit it: I made my "Tropical Night" dish for breakfast. But Poppa Trix and I loved these little bites of goodness all the same. (You can see the recipe at here at Google Books, but I highly suggest you pick up a copy - you'll want to peruse all the eye candy, I promise.)

Allow me to describe the awesomeness of this dish: mashed potato, garam masala, spinach, chick pea flour, garlic, ginger, onion, and cumin, formed into little balls and baked until crispy. For garnish? Hot chilis, tomato, red onion, and cilantro. (The recipe called for frying the kofta, which turned out rather messily, as I think I didn't get the oil hot enough. Luckily I had set aside a good number to bake.) I cannot decide whether I like the kofta or the puree - eggplant, garlic, yogurt, curry powder, and cilantro - more. They are definitely a perfect pairing -  a fitting choice for the holiday.

To further whet your appetite, go and check out what Penny and Maya made. I know, but I won't tell so as not to spoil the surprise.  Happy (tropical) Valentine's Day! And of course I dedicate this Valentine's post to Poppa Trix - the only person in the world who really does think I look good in my flannel pajamas!