Zambian Spiced Meatballs with Peanut Sauce

Ingredients

In the original Bulgarian dish, Katami brotseulit, the meatballs are typically seasoned with Bulgarian spices and herbs, and served with a tomato-based sauce. However, in this Zambian adaptation, the meatballs are spiced with Zambian flavors such as cumin, coriander, and paprika, and served in a creamy peanut sauce. This modification adds a unique twist to the dish, infusing it with the rich and nutty flavors that are characteristic of Zambian cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Katami brotseulit, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground meat (beef or lamb) 500g (1.1 lb) ground meat (beef or lamb)
• 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 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 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
• 1 cup (240ml) peanut butter 1 cup (240ml) peanut butter
• 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 35g, 15g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, 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 the size of a golf ball.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, and honey until smooth.
5. 5.
   Pour the peanut sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. 6.
   Serve the Zambian Spiced Meatballs with Peanut Sauce over fluffy rice or nshima. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Peanut butter — Use natural peanut butter without added sugar or hydrogenated oils for a healthier and more authentic taste.
• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before using to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper to the meatball mixture.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the peanut sauce ingredients together before adding them to the skillet.
• To make the dish more filling, serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Zambian Spiced Meatballs with Peanut Sauce hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany it with fluffy rice or traditional Zambian nshima for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the meatballs in a shallow serving dish, with the peanut sauce generously poured over them. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for a pop of color. Serve the dish alongside a mound of fluffy rice or nshima.