Persian Koofteh: A sweet, spicy twist on classic meatballs
Persian meatballs, also known as koofteh, are a genuine delight for the taste buds. Their distinctive flavour, combining the sweetness of dried cherries, the crunch of pistachios, and the aroma of Middle Eastern spices, makes them superior to other meatballs. Furthermore, their texture is ideal - soft inside and crispy on the outside, and they do not fall apart during cooking.
Koofteh is an outstanding dish that blends intense spices with the subtle sweetness of dried fruits. The secret lies not only in the excellent selection of ingredients but also in the preparation method, which ensures the meatballs are compact yet soft inside. The added pistachios lend a slight crunch, while the dried cherries provide a pleasantly tangy taste. It's a dish that impresses with both flavour and texture.
Persian meatballs – a recipe inspired by tradition
The history of koofteh dates back to ancient Persia, where culinary art was based on combining contrasting ingredients. Traditionally, meatballs are made from lamb, but beef or a mix of the two works just as well. Their uniqueness lies in the aromatic additions such as pistachios, which impart a crunch, and dried cherries, which inject a slight sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 450 grams of ground lamb (or beef),
- 100 grams of dried cherries,
- 100 grams of pistachios,
- 1 onion,
- 2 cloves of garlic,
- 1 egg,
- 60 millilitres of breadcrumbs,
- 1 tablespoon cumin,
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander,
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom,
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon,
- Salt and pepper to taste,
- Oil for frying.
Preparation:
- Soak the dried cherries in warm water for 15 minutes.
- Finely chop the onion and garlic.
- In a bowl, combine the ground meat with chopped onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, and spices.
- Add the drained dried cherries and chopped pistachios.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Form small balls from the mixture.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the meatballs on each side until golden.
- You can serve the finished meatballs with rice, couscous, or bread.
Persian meatballs are a dish sure to enchant any fan of Middle Eastern cuisine. Their unique taste, aroma, and texture make them unforgettable. It is an ideal choice for lunch or dinner, sure to please the whole family and guests. Try this recipe and discover how delicious and aromatic Persian meatballs can truly be.
