Gujarati-style Spiced Meatball Curry

Ingredients

In this Gujarati adaptation, the traditional Azerbaijani Kufta bozbash is transformed into a spiced meatball curry. The original dish is typically a soup with lamb meatballs, vegetables, and herbs. The Gujarati version focuses on a tomato-based gravy with a distinct blend of spices commonly used in Gujarati cuisine. The addition of tamarind and jaggery adds a unique sweet and tangy flavor to the dish, which is not present in the original. We alse have the original recipe for Kufta bozbash, so you can check it out.

• For the meatballs: For the meatballs:
• 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 green chili, finely chopped 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• For the curry: For the curry:
• 2 tablespoons oil 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• 1 tablespoon jaggery (or brown sugar) 1 tablespoon jaggery (or brown sugar)
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the meatballs. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
3. 3.
   Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
4. 4.
   Add the ginger paste and garlic paste to the pan and cook for a minute until fragrant.
5. 5.
   Add the tomato puree and cook for a few minutes until the oil separates from the mixture.
6. 6.
   Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
7. 7.
   Gently place the meatballs into the pan, ensuring they are submerged in the curry.
8. 8.
   Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
9. 9.
   Stir in the tamarind paste and jaggery, adjusting the sweetness and tanginess according to your taste.
10. 10.
    Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice or roti.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground meat — Use lean ground meat for healthier meatballs. If using lamb, choose lean cuts and trim excess fat.
• Tamarind paste — Adjust the amount of tamarind paste according to your preference for tanginess. Add more if you enjoy a pronounced tangy flavor.
• Jaggery — If jaggery is not available, you can substitute it with brown sugar for a similar sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier curry, increase the amount of red chili powder or add a finely chopped green chili to the curry.
• If you prefer a smoother gravy, you can blend the onion and tomato puree before cooking.
• To save time, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until ready to use.
• Adjust the thickness of the curry by adding water if needed.
• Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Gujarati-style Spiced Meatball Curry hot with steamed rice or freshly made roti. Accompany it with a side of cucumber raita or a simple salad for a refreshing contrast.

Presentation advice

Present the Spiced Meatball Curry in a deep serving dish, allowing the vibrant red curry to stand out. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of green color.