Persian Meatballs (Koofteh)
Koofteh (Persian meatballs) are the epitome of Iranian comfort food! This recipe for lamb meatballs with dried cherries and pistachios is a must-make!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef (See Note 1)
- 2 tbsp pistachios chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cherries chopped
- 1/2 tsp celery seed
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground fennel seed
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large shallot diced, about 1/3 cup
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
Instructions
- In a bowl add the lamb, pistachios, dried cherries, spices (See Note 1), salt, cilantro, breadcrumbs and egg. Mix together by hand until incorporated completely. Use a 1 1/2-inch scoop or roll into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Makes between 18-20 meatballs. Set aside.
- In a large frying pan add the olive oil and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove from pan and keep warm.
- Over medium heat in the same pan sauté the shallot until translucent. Add the flour and cook for a minute, stirring to cook the flour. Gradually add the chicken stock a little at a time, stirring to incorporate completely and thicken. Season with salt if needed.
- Add the cooked meatballs back to the pan and turn to coat all over with pan sauce. Cover with lid and cook on low for 2 minutes to heat meatballs through. Serve with rice.
Video
Notes
- If you like to use whole spices: Use the 1/2 tsp celery seed, 1 teaspoon each of coriander, cumin and fennel seed. In a skillet over medium heat, toast the celery seed, coriander, cumin and fennel seeds until aromatic, just a minute or two tops. Don’t burn them, you just want to release their essential oils. Grind in a spice grinder.
- Ground beef, turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground lamb if that is not to your liking, but I highly recommend you try it.
Nutrition
Calories: 550kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 126mg | Sodium: 605mg | Potassium: 472mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 418IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 4mg