Soulful Kufteh Tabrizi

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Iranian Kufteh Tabrizi recipe is infused with the flavors of Soul food. The original recipe is enhanced with Southern spices and a touch of sweetness, giving it a unique twist. Additionally, the traditional accompaniments of rice and pickles remain the same, providing a familiar element to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Kufteh tabrizi, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth 1 cup beef broth
• Cooked rice, for serving Cooked rice, for serving
• Pickles, for serving Pickles, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the mixture into meatballs, about the size of golf balls.
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.
4. 4.
   In a separate pot, combine the crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Transfer the browned meatballs to the pot with the tomato sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. 6.
   Serve the Soulful Kufteh Tabrizi over cooked rice and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with pickles on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for added flavor.
• Fresh herbs — Make sure to finely chop the fresh parsley and cilantro to evenly distribute their flavors throughout the meatballs.
• Crushed tomatoes — Opt for high-quality crushed tomatoes to ensure a rich and flavorful sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the tomato sauce before adding the meatballs.
• Serve the Soulful Kufteh Tabrizi with a side of cornbread or corn muffins for a complete Southern-inspired meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.
• Feel free to customize the spice levels and adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Kufteh Tabrizi over a bed of fluffy rice, allowing the sauce to soak into the grains. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Accompany the dish with tangy pickles on the side to balance the richness of the meatballs.

Presentation advice

Arrange the meatballs and sauce in a shallow serving dish, allowing the vibrant colors of the dish to shine through. Sprinkle some additional chopped parsley on top for an appealing presentation. Serve with a side of rice and a small bowl of pickles for a complete and visually pleasing meal.