Syrian-style Dumplings with Spiced Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

In the original Hungarian version of gomboce, the dumplings are typically made with potatoes and served with a sweet plum sauce. In this Syrian adaptation, the dumplings are made with ground meat, rice, and herbs, and served in a spiced tomato sauce. The flavors and ingredients have been adjusted to align with the traditional Syrian cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Gomboce, so you can check it out.

• For the dumplings: For the dumplings:
• 250g (8.8 oz) ground beef or lamb 250g (8.8 oz) ground beef or lamb
• 1/2 cup cooked rice 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dusting) 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dusting)
• For the spiced tomato sauce: For the spiced tomato sauce:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small 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
• 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 can (400g/14 oz) crushed tomatoes 1 can (400g/14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a walnut. Dust each dumpling lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the ground cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon to the skillet. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable or chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
6. 6.
   Gently place the dumplings into the tomato sauce, making sure they are submerged. Cover the skillet and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and tender.
7. 7.
   Serve the Syrian-style dumplings in individual bowls, spooning the spiced tomato sauce over them. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground meat — Choose lean ground beef or lamb for a healthier option. You can also use a combination of both meats for added flavor.
• Rice — Use cooked rice that is slightly sticky, such as short-grain or medium-grain rice, to help bind the dumplings together.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor of the dumplings, you can add a pinch of ground allspice or sumac to the meat mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
• Serve the dumplings with a side of yogurt or tzatziki sauce for a refreshing contrast to the rich tomato sauce.
• Leftover dumplings can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. They taste even better as the flavors have had time to meld together.
• Feel free to customize the spiced tomato sauce by adding your favorite herbs or spices, such as dried oregano or smoked paprika.

Serving advice

Serve the Syrian-style dumplings hot, straight from the skillet, for the best flavor and texture. Accompany them with a side of fresh salad or warm bread to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for an attractive presentation. Serve the dumplings in individual bowls, allowing the vibrant red tomato sauce to showcase the delicious dumplings.