Best 2 Persian Inspired Meatballs Recipes

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Persia with these tantalizing Persian-inspired meatballs. These delectable morsels, also known as Kufteh, are a harmonious blend of aromatic spices, succulent ground beef, and the vibrant flavors of traditional Persian cuisine. Discover two irresistible variations: Kufteh Tabrizi, hailing from the northwestern city of Tabriz, and Kufteh Berenji, originating from the Caspian Sea region. Both recipes promise an explosion of taste, with Kufteh Tabrizi boasting a savory walnut and herb-filled center, while Kufteh Berenji enchants with its tangy barberry and split pea stuffing. Prepare to indulge in these culinary gems, perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering, a special celebration, or simply a delightful weeknight dinner.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

PERSIAN-INSPIRED MEATBALLS

Persian-Inspired Meatballs image

Advieh, herbs, and pomegranate molasses give these lamb meatballs a Persian flair. Serve with flatbreads and yogurt or over a green salad. If you go the salad route, include some fresh herbs and pomegranate molasses to match the meatballs.

Provided by LauraF

Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Lamb Ground

Time 58m

Yield 30

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds ground lamb
½ cup panko bread crumbs
½ cup minced scallions
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon advieh
2 teaspoons dried dill
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 eggs, lightly beaten
cooking spray
2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses, or to taste

Steps:

Combine lamb, bread crumbs, scallions, mint, advieh, dill, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add beaten eggs; knead by hand until smooth and sticky. Cover and refrigerate until flavors blend, at least 30 minutes.
Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
Form the lamb mixture into 1-inch balls. Arrange on a rimmed baking sheet. Mist the tops with cooking spray.
Broil in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet and broil for 3 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
Brush the meatballs with pomegranate molasses as soon as they come out of the oven.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 60.2 calories, Carbohydrate 2.9 g, Cholesterol 27.6 mg, Fat 3.5 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 4.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Sodium 90.8 mg, Sugar 1.4 g

PERSIAN-INFLUENCED MEATBALLS

Persian-Influenced Meatballs image

A recipe I put together last night for dinner. I was running late prepping dinner but I knew I wanted something Middle Eastern/Persian meatballs were served with Persian-style plain basmati rice ('kateh'), pan grilled zucchini and broccoli, and cantaloupe and watermelon slices with orange blossom water sprinkle for dessert.

Provided by COOKGIRl

Categories Meat

Time 40m

Yield 18 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (can sub lamb or beef or lamb in combination)
1/4 cup rice meal (I used basmati rice that was ground to meal consistency in a spice mill)
1 egg, whisked
1 teaspoon dried rose petals, crumbled with your fingers
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon saffron thread, crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (you can sub fresh mint if you hate cilantro)
2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons date molasses (aka dibs tamar)
2 tablespoons dried barberries
1/3 cup finely minced yellow onion
1 garlic clove, finely minced
2 tablespoons almonds, chopped (can sub pistachios or walnuts)
plain yogurt
date molasses
saffron thread
dried rose petals

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Combine all the meatball ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix just until combine.
Shape into about 18 meatballs and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Bake for about 25 minutes or until brown.
Transfer to a serving platter and serve with a bowl of plain yogurt. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of the date molasses on top of the yogurt (do not stir the date molasses into the yogurt) and garnish with a few saffron threads and a light crumble of dried rose petals.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 78.9, Fat 4.6, SaturatedFat 1.6, Cholesterol 27.5, Sodium 89.7, Carbohydrate 3.8, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 1.4, Protein 5.5

Tips:

Use high-quality ground beef. The better the beef, the better the meatballs will be. Look for ground beef that is at least 80% lean.
Season the beef well. Don't be afraid to use plenty of spices and herbs. The more flavorful the beef, the more flavorful the meatballs will be.
Don't overmix the beef. Overmixing will make the meatballs tough. Mix the beef just until it is combined.
Shape the meatballs into uniform sizes. This will help them cook evenly.
Brown the meatballs before simmering them. Browning the meatballs will help to develop their flavor and prevent them from falling apart.
Use a flavorful sauce. The sauce is what will really make the meatballs shine. Choose a sauce that is flavorful and complements the spices in the meatballs.
Serve the meatballs with your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta are all great options.

Conclusion:

Persian-inspired meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With their flavorful beef, aromatic spices, and rich sauce, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you're looking for a new dinner recipe, give these Persian-inspired meatballs a try. You won't be disappointed!