I always thought that kofta was a vegetarian dumpling. Probably because the few Indian restaurants I’ve visited always serve malai kofta with, I think, a potato dumpling.
I've had Kofta at an Indian restaurant as well.
We got it actually as a result of a mistake by the waiter ( we ordered something else, and they brought us a kofta). They told us it was on the house, and brought us the correct dish in addition. That was one of the best mistakes a waiter ever made on us. We love koftas now and order it frequently. The vegetarian version is usually made with potatoes, paneer along with other veggies (depending on the restaurant).
Fast forward a few years, I was in an Indian grocery store, and saw prepared koftas in the refrigerated section. I was excited, brought it home, heated it up and took a bite, just to find out it wasn't a vegetarian version ( I think it was lamb). Anyway, being a vegetarian, I did not eat them, and fed them to my dog ( at the time). I dont think she liked them much, maybe too spicy, so i left them out for the raccoons.
My grandmother used to make a greek styled meatball in a tomato/ white wine sauce. They were more sausage shaped than ball shaped, but I do remember they were really good ( Back in the day when I ate meat).
And for anyone in the Boston area willing to try a vegetarian meatball, a place called "Clover food lab", in the financial district ( not sure if they have other locations), makes vegetarian meatballs out of Impossible burger, and they were among one of the best meatballs ( meat or vegetarian) I have ever had. Above and beyond typical vegetarian substitutes. Disclaimer would be I only had them once, so it is possible they were just having a good day, but assuming they are consistent, I cant wait til I go back next year to have another bite.