Best 6 Afghan Meatballs Recipes

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**Explore the Enticing Flavors of Afghan Meatballs: A Culinary Journey Through Traditional and Modern Recipes**

Embark on a tantalizing culinary adventure with Afghan meatballs, a delectable dish that embodies the rich flavors and aromas of Afghan cuisine. These succulent meatballs, known as "kofta," are a staple in Afghan homes and a cherished part of the country's food culture. Discover the secrets behind these delectable treats as we delve into a collection of traditional and modern recipes that showcase the versatility and appeal of Afghan meatballs. From the classic "kofta qalmi" simmered in a fragrant tomato-based sauce to the innovative "kofta-e-nakhod," a unique combination of meatballs and chickpeas, each recipe promises a unique taste experience. Prepare to be captivated by the harmonious blend of aromatic spices, herbs, and succulent minced meat that define Afghan meatballs. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Afghanistan.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

KOFTA CHALLOW (AFGHAN MEATBALLS WITH RICE)



Kofta Challow (Afghan Meatballs with Rice) image

Kofta Afghani recipe is one of the delightful recipes usually served with basmati rice; a delicious combo called kofta challow.

Provided by Afghan Yummy Food

Categories     Main

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 18

3 Cups basmati rice
½ Cup Vegetable oil
Species
1 tbsp. Cumin seeds
2 tbsp. salt
1 tbsp. Black Pepper (Finely Ground)
1 tsp Cardamom (Finely Ground)
2 cups coriander, minced
1 green pepper, minced
3 cloves of Garlic, minced
2 onion, minced
1/2 kg ground beef or veal
1 egg
1/2 tbsp. Black Pepper (grounded)
1 1/2tbsp. Coriander Powder
1 tbsp. Salt
1/2 cup Oil
1 cup Tomato Sauce

Steps:

  • Rinse rice (First make sure to rinse the rice. Leave it aside for few hours before cooking.
  • The taste of it will be much better if it is rinsed and soaked in advance.
  • Boil water (Boil water in a pasta pot with strainer or use a regular pot and drain the water after boiling using a strainer.
  • Once the water is boiled, add the rice and boil for few minutes or until the rice is soft and long.
  • Drain water from rice
  • Heat a Pan on High heat and add vegetable oil, boiled rice, salt dissolved in warm water and the spices (Cumin seeds, Black Pepper, Cardamom)
  • Mix well
  • Make holes with the back of spatula.
  • Cover the lid with a kitchen towel and place it on the pot.
  • Cook on low heat for at least 25 to 30 minutes.
  • 10. Serve with your favourite curry
  • In an electric food chopper, add coriander, green pepper, onion, garlic, and mince
  • In a big bowel, add meat, the minced mixture, and spices.
  • Mix well.
  • Add onions in a electric food chopper.
  • Fry the minced onions in a large saucepan.
  • Add tomato sauce.
  • Add water leave on high heat until it comes to boil.
  • Make small balls from meat mixture and add to the sauce.
  • Leave it on low for 30 minutes to cook.
  • 10. Serve with basmati rice or naan bread.

Nutrition Facts :

KOFTA CHALAO



Kofta Chalao image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 teaspoons breadcrumbs
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/4 bunch cilantro, chopped
Salt and black pepper
6 teaspoons cooking oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/3 cup tomato paste
1/3 cup yellow split peas
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
8 to 10 dried plums
2 small sweet peppers, chopped
2 plum tomatoes, chopped
1/4 bunch cilantro, chopped
Salt and black pepper
6 cups cooked white basmati rice (chalao)

Steps:

  • For the kofta: Mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, coriander, cumin, garlic, onions, cilantro and 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Form the mixture into 1-ounce balls.
  • For the sauce: Heat the oil in a pot. Fry the onions until translucent. Add the garlic and 2 1/2 cups water; bring to a boil. Stir in the tomato paste, split peas, coriander, paprika, turmeric, dried plums, sweet peppers, tomatoes, cilantro and some salt and black pepper. Add the kofta, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Serve with the basmati rice.

AFGHAN KOFTA (MEATBALLS)



Afghan Kofta (Meatballs) image

Middle-eastern style meatballs, Kofta 176

Categories     Appetizers     Beef     Easy     Afghan     Grill     Africa & Middle East     Barbecue

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 14

ground beef
onions
green bell peppers
garlic
coriander
salt
black pepper
ground beef
onions
green bell peppers
garlic
coriander
salt
black pepper

Steps:

  • Knead together the beef, onion, pepper, garlic and salt and pepper. Let stand 30 minutes to blend flavors. Form into 16 oval balls. String 4 on skewers alternating with a onion quarter, green pepper quarter and cherry tomato on each skewer. Grill about 5 minutes until browned, turn and grill other side. Served with spiced brown rice and a large piece of the flat Afghan bread.

Nutrition Facts :

AFGHAN MEATBALLS



Afghan Meatballs image

Back in the late '60s, when I went to community college, I made friends with several students from Afghanistan and Iran, who were away from home for the first time and trying to fill their stomachs on a budget and battle homesickness at the same time. This is one of their main dishes, which can feed a small army with less than 2...

Provided by Miriam Bucholtz

Categories     Other Main Dishes

Time 1h25m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 to 1 1/2 lb ground beef (other ground meat may be mixed in or used)
several large potatoes (one for each person, and one more for the pot)
one medium yellow onion, chopped or grated (useful idea for people who refuse to eat onion if they see it)
one egg
one dash(es) spices: salt, pepper; garlic salt, lemon pepper; whichever you like
one pinch dired dill, if you like
1 - 1 1/2 c ketchup (you might want to add more if sauce is too watery)
cooked rice to serve dish over

Steps:

  • 1. Fill large pan or Dutch oven with about 6 cups of water, to start; you can always add more if you need it. Add ketchup, and bring to boil; turn down heat to avoid splashing.
  • 2. Beat egg slightly, mix together with meat, onion, and spices. Mix with hands, and form meatballs. They will be soft and a little gooey, thanks to the egg, but don't worry. Drop meatballs, as you form them, into ketchup water. Turn heat down to simmer.
  • 3. As the water sets the meatballs, cut the potatoes into medium-sized chunks (you can leave the skin on, if you want). Gently add these to the water. Cover pot, and simmer for about an hour. The longer this cooks, the better it tastes, and it makes great leftovers. Afghans, I'm told, tend to boil their meat, since the ovens they use for baking produces heat that is unreliable for killing all the harmful bacteria in meat.
  • 4. Serve over plain white or brown rice. This dish can also be made using chicken parts (dark meat is best) by eliminating the egg, slicing the onion, and first browning the chicken & onion lightly in olive oil before adding to the water. Add the spices to the water.

AFGHANI MEATBALLS & NOODLES



Afghani Meatballs & Noodles image

Make and share this Afghani Meatballs & Noodles recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Just_Ducky

Categories     Meatballs

Time 1h30m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 lbs ground beef
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 pinch cayenne pepper
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 Spanish onion, finely chopped
2 (14 ounce) cans tomato sauce
4 sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
1 lb noodles
1 1/2 cups plain kefir (or yogurt)
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 cup of fresh mint, chopped

Steps:

  • For the meatballs:.
  • In a bowl, combine the beef, cinnamon, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, salt, pepper, and half of the garlic. With clean hands, mix thoroughly, then shape the meat into 3/4-inch meatballs. Set aside and let sit for 30 - 90 minutes to allow flavours to meld.
  • In a large, heavy pan, heat the oil, add the onion, and cook over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until it is very soft. Turn the heat to medium-high and add the meatballs. Cook, turning them often, until they lose their pink color.
  • Add the plum tomatoes and remaining garlic. Cover the pan, turn down the heat, and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper and cook the mixture for 5 minutes over low heat, stirring once or twice.
  • For the noodles:.
  • Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until they are tender but still have some bite. Drain the noodles and transfer them to a bowl. Stir in the kefir, garlic, and salt. Toss thoroughly and transfer to 6 wide bowls. Spoon meatballs around the edges of each bowl of noodles, add the mint to the center and serve at once.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 689.7, Fat 28.8, SaturatedFat 10.1, Cholesterol 166.7, Sodium 846.1, Carbohydrate 65.8, Fiber 6, Sugar 8.4, Protein 41.5

SPICY AFGHAN MEATBALL/KOFTA



Spicy Afghan Meatball/Kofta image

Delicious spicy meatballs which never absorb oil. Makes a good appetizer if you make small meatballs and put them on a toothpick.

Provided by Indian Cook

Categories     Meat

Time 35m

Yield 24 meatballls

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons split chickpeas
1 onion
3 garlic cloves
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
3 cloves
1/2 inch cinnamon stick
salt
1/2 kg mincemeat

Steps:

  • soak the split chickpeas for 10 min then boil till cooked.
  • Put all the ingerdients except the mince into the blender and grind till smooth with a few Tbsp water.
  • Mix with the meat.
  • Shape into 1/2 inch balls.
  • Shallow fry in 1/2 inch of oil till brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 60.8, Sodium 7.1, Carbohydrate 15, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 10.3, Protein 0.2

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the meatballs will taste.
  • Grind your own meat. This will give you more control over the texture and flavor of the meatballs.
  • Season the meatballs well. Use a variety of spices and herbs to create a flavorful dish.
  • Don't overcook the meatballs. Overcooked meatballs will be dry and tough.
  • Serve the meatballs with a variety of dipping sauces. This will allow your guests to customize their meal.

Conclusion:

Afghan meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a variety of spices and herbs, these meatballs are full of flavor and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Whether you are entertaining guests or simply looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, Afghan meatballs are a great option.

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