Embark on a gastronomic adventure with the exquisite flavors of Azerbaijani Kufteh, a traditional dish that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Azerbaijan. Kufteh, or meatballs, are a beloved staple in Azerbaijani cuisine, celebrated for their succulent blend of minced meat, aromatic spices, and skillfully prepared fillings. This recipe encapsulates the essence of Azerbaijani hospitality, bringing to your table a symphony of tastes and textures that will transport you to the heart of this culturally rich region. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind crafting these savory delights, inviting you to savor the authentic taste of Azerbaijani Kufteh in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 500g ground beef or lamb
• 1 cup rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup roasted almonds or pine nuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried fruits (apricots, plums, or raisins), finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Cooking:

• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

1-In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, soaked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, dill, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

2-Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. This will be the base for your meatballs.

Prepare the Filling:In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped nuts, dried fruits, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper. This will be the flavorful filling for the meatballs.

Forming the Meatballs:

1-Take a small portion of the meatball mixture and flatten it in your palm.

2-Place a small amount of the filling in the center and encase it with the meat mixture, forming a round meatball. Ensure the filling is completely covered.

Cooking the Meatballs:

1-In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2-Add tomato paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it darkens slightly.

3-Carefully add the broth to the pot, stirring to combine with the tomato paste.

4-Gently place the meatballs into the broth, ensuring they are submerged.

5-Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the meatballs are tender.

Serve:

1-Once cooked, ladle the meatballs along with some broth into serving bowls.

2-Garnish with additional chopped herbs if desired.

3-Serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors of Azerbaijani Kufteh!

This recipe captures the essence of Azerbaijani Kufteh, blending the richness of minced meat with the delightful surprise of the nutty and fruity filling.

Nutritional Values:

Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and variations in ingredient sizes, so these values are approximations and should be used as a general guide. Always refer to specific product labels for accurate information.

Nutritional Values for the Ingredients (Per Serving, assuming 4 servings):

500g ground beef or lamb:

• Calories: 1100
• Protein: 88g
• Fat: 80g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

Benefits: Excellent source of protein, iron, zinc, and B-vitamins. Protein is essential for muscle health, while iron is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood.

1 cup rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes:

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g

Benefits: Good source of carbohydrates for energy, provides fiber for digestive health, and contains essential minerals such as manganese and selenium.

1 large onion, finely chopped:

• Calories: 60
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 3g

Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, and contains anti-inflammatory properties. Onions are also a good source of vitamins C and B6.

2 cloves garlic, minced:

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

Benefits: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It may also have cardiovascular benefits.

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped:

• Calories: 4
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

Benefits: High in vitamins A, C, and K. Parsley also contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped:

• Calories: 4
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

Benefits: Contains essential oils with anti-bacterial properties. Dill is also a good source of vitamin C, manganese, and iron.

1 teaspoon ground cumin:

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Cumin is also a good source of iron and aids in digestion.

1 teaspoon ground coriander:

• Calories: 5
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

Benefits: Rich in dietary fiber, iron, and magnesium. Coriander may have digestive benefits and contribute to heart health.

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon:

• Calories: 3
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

Benefits: Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels and has potential heart health benefits.

Salt and pepper to taste:

• (Values can be negligible and are not included)

1/2 cup roasted almonds or pine nuts, chopped:

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 6g

Benefits: Good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Almonds provide vitamin E and magnesium, while pine nuts contain iron and zinc.

1/4 cup dried fruits (apricots, plums, or raisins), finely chopped:

• Calories: 100
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g

Benefits: Natural sweetness and a source of dietary fiber. Dried fruits provide vitamins and minerals, including potassium and iron.

4 cups beef or vegetable broth:

• (Nutritional values can vary based on the specific brand or homemade recipe)

Benefits: Can contribute to hydration and provides nutrients extracted from meat and vegetables. Broth may support joint health and contains electrolytes.

2 tablespoons tomato paste:

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 2g

Benefits: Contains lycopene, an antioxidant linked to various health benefits, including heart health. Tomatoes are also rich in vitamins A and C.

2 tablespoons olive oil:

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

Benefits: A source of monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy. Olive oil also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used.