Babor - Curaçao Style Spiced Meatballs

Ingredients

While the original North African Babor is typically made with lamb or beef, the Curaçaoan adaptation uses ground beef for the meatballs. The spices remain similar, but the addition of local ingredients such as bell peppers, cilantro, and lime juice gives it a distinct Caribbean twist. The sauce is also slightly modified to incorporate the flavors of Curaçao, resulting in a tangier and more vibrant taste. We alse have the original recipe for Babor, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and cook until they start to soften, about 3 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and lime juice to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Return the meatballs to the skillet and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the meatballs before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Use lean ground beef for healthier meatballs. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use a combination of ground beef and ground pork.
• Cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley for a milder herb flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture.
• Serve the meatballs with a side of rice or cornmeal porridge to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving advice

Serve the Curaçaoan spiced meatballs hot, garnished with additional chopped cilantro. They pair well with rice or cornmeal porridge.

Presentation advice

Arrange the meatballs in a shallow serving dish, spooning the sauce over them. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro for an attractive presentation.