Sudanese-style Spiced Meatballs with Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

In the original Montenegrin dish, Bobići, the meatballs are typically made with a mixture of ground beef and pork, seasoned with garlic, paprika, and other spices. The meatballs are then cooked in a tomato-based sauce. In the Sudanese adaptation, the spices are adjusted to reflect the flavors of Sudan, incorporating cumin, coriander, ginger, and cinnamon. The use of beef as the sole meat in the meatballs is also a departure from the original recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Bobići, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 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
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional) Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 9g, 5g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, ginger, cinnamon, 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 tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Return the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the tomato sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. 6.
   Serve the Sudanese-style spiced meatballs with tomato sauce hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy with rice or flatbread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can also use a combination of ground beef and ground lamb for added flavor.
• Cumin — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their aroma and flavor.
• Tomato paste — If you prefer a richer tomato flavor, use double-concentrated tomato paste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the diced tomatoes before adding them to the skillet.
• Serve the meatballs with a side of Sudanese salad, consisting of chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
• Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
• Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of ginger and black pepper to your taste.

Serving advice

Serve the Sudanese-style spiced meatballs with tomato sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice or with warm flatbread. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the meatballs in the center of a serving dish, surrounded by a pool of the flavorful tomato sauce. Sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro on top for an appealing touch of green.