How to make Koofte Tabrizi, a traditional Persian meatball

Iranian Koofteh Tabrizi is a traditional Persian dish from the city of Tabriz. It is a large meatball filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, herbs, and spices, cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce. Here’s a recipe to make Koofteh Tabrizi:

Ingredients: For the meatball:

– 1 pound ground beef or lamb

– 1/2 cup yellow split peas, soaked in water for 1 hour

– 1/2 cup rice, soaked in water for 1 hour

– 1 medium onion, grated

– 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, cilantro, and dill)

– 2 cloves of garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

– 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

– Salt to taste

– 1 egg

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil For the filling:

– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

– 1/4 cup dried barberries (optional)

– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– Salt to taste For the sauce:

– 2 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)

– 1 medium onion, finely chopped

– 3 cloves of garlic, minced

– 2 tablespoons tomato paste

– 1 teaspoon turmeric

– 1 teaspoon ground cumin

– 1 teaspoon ground coriander

– 1/2 teaspoon ground saffron (optional)

– 2 cups beef or vegetable broth

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Drain the soaked split peas and rice. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, soaked split peas, soaked rice, grated onion, chopped herbs, minced garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, salt, and egg. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.

2. In a separate bowl, mix the chopped walnuts, dried barberries (if using), ground cinnamon, and salt. This will be the filling for the meatball.

3. Take a handful of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a spoonful of the walnut and barberry filling in the centre of the meat and fold the meat around it, shaping it into a large meatball. Repeat this process until all the meat and filling are used.

4. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.

5. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant.

6. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, turmeric, cumin, coriander, saffron (if using), salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

7. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and bring the sauce to a simmer. Return the meatballs to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the sauce.

8. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.

9. Once the Koofteh Tabrizi is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

10. Serve the Koofteh Tabrizi hot with steamed rice or Iranian bread. You can garnish it with additional chopped herbs if desired. Enjoy your homemade Iranian Koofteh Tabrizi!