Kufteh - Persian Meat Balls

My friend Ms.Pari Nouri, is a caterer who loves to cook for big Iranian parties. I enjoy her cooking so much that I asked her to share some of her recipe with me.



Here is the Kufteh (Persian Meat Balls) recipes. Again there are many different variations of this dish and although it is traditionally made with ground beef, Pari used Turkey meat as a more healthier alternative. Kufteh in Farsi means pounded and since the meat is pounded into the rice, thus the name. I love this dish, simply because it is so different.











Ingredients:

Serves 6



1 lbs ground turkey

1/2 cup white rice

1/2 cup yellow split peas cooked



1 medium size onion chopped

3 garlic cloves finely minced

1 bunch parsley, cleaned and finely chopped

1 bunch coriander leaves cleaned and finely chopped

(Asian and Middle Eastern Market sell it) Farsi geshniz [ ?????]

1 bunch fresh basil cleaned and finely chopped

1 bunch fresh tarragon cleaned and finely chopped

2 TBSP tomato paste

1 tsp turmeric

salt and pepper to taste



Directions:



1. Rinse the rice several times in warm water until water drains clear.

2. Cook rice (see Persian rice recipes )- do not overcook!



3. In a separate small pot cook the split peas in water until soft



4. Once all the ingredients above are cooked combine them with the turkey in a separate large bowl.



5. In a wide pot (kufteh need to fit in it) sautee the onions and garlic in oil until golden brown

6. Add 1 cup of water, tomato paste,salt and pepper and bring to quick boil

7. Reduce heat



8. Go back to your meat/rice mix and add parsley, coriander, basil and tarragon and season with turmeric, salt and pepper.

9. Mix and pound the mixture until you can form small, fist size balls with the mix, without it falling apart.



10. Place each meat ball in the tomato sauce, add more water until the meatballs are covered and cook uncovered for about 45 minutes



Ps. Pari's catering service is available for small or large parties in the Orange County area, just send me an email if you like to get her phone number.



Let's be friends on Facebook Bon Appétit and Thank you for Visiting!


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