Dive into the rich culinary heritage of Iran with our exquisite Kufteh, tender meatballs crafted from finely minced meat, fragrant rice, and a harmonious blend of traditional spices. Served in a luscious tomato-based sauce, each bite is a journey through the vibrant flavors of Persian cuisine, bringing warmth and satisfaction to every palate. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal or a centerpiece for gatherings, Iranian Kufteh promises an unforgettable dining experience that tantalizes the senses and celebrates the artistry of Persian cooking.

Ingredients for Kufteh:

  - 500g minced meat (beef or lamb)

  - 1 cup cooked rice

  - 1 onion, finely chopped

  - 2 cloves garlic, minced

  - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  - 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

  - Salt and pepper to taste

  - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

  - 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

  - 2 eggs

  - Oil for frying

Ingredients for Tomato-based Sauce:

  - 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  - 2 cups crushed tomatoes

  - 1 onion, finely chopped

  - 2 cloves garlic, minced

  - 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  - 1 teaspoon ground coriander

  - 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  - Salt and pepper to taste

  - 2 cups beef or vegetable broth

Instructions:

1- In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, ground turmeric, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and chopped mint. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

2- Add the eggs to the mixture and continue to mix until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture becomes sticky.

3- Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, then take a portion of the mixture and shape it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture until all the meatballs are formed.

4- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches and fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

5- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.

6- Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

7- Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and bring the sauce to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

8- Carefully add the fried meatballs to the skillet with the sauce, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for another 15-20 minutes, until they are cooked through.

9- Serve the Iranian Kufteh hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley or mint if desired. Enjoy with rice, bread, or salad on the side.

Nutritional Values :

For the Meatballs:

500g Minced Meat (beef or lamb):

 - Calories: About 1000 kcal

 - Fat: 80g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 60g 

Benefits: High in protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc. Provides a rich flavor and texture to the meatballs.

1 Cup Cooked Rice:

 - Calories: About 200 kcal

 - Fat: 0.4g

 - Carbohydrates: 45g

 - Protein: 4g 

Benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy and adds bulk to the meatballs.

1 Onion (finely chopped):

 - Calories: About 45 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 11g

 - Protein: 1g 

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants that support heart health.

2 Cloves Garlic (minced):

 - Calories: About 20 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 5g

 - Protein: 1g 

Benefits: Known for its antimicrobial properties and cardiovascular benefits.

1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon:

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: May help in regulating blood sugar levels and has antioxidant properties.

1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin:

 - Calories: About 8 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Turmeric:

 - Calories: About 4 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Salt and Pepper to Taste:

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Enhances flavor. Use in moderation to manage sodium intake.

1/4 Cup Chopped Fresh Parsley:

 - Calories: About 5 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds freshness and provides vitamins A and C.

1/4 Cup Chopped Fresh Mint:

 - Calories: About 5 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds flavor and has digestive benefits.

2 Eggs:

 - Calories: About 140 kcal

 - Fat: 10g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 12g 

Benefits: Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like vitamin D and choline.

Oil for Frying:

 - Calories: Varies by type and amount used

 - Fat: Varies by type and amount used

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Used for cooking the meatballs to achieve a crispy texture.

For the Tomato Sauce:

2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste:

 - Calories: About 30 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 7g

 - Protein: 1g 

Benefits: Adds rich tomato flavor and thickness to the sauce.

2 Cups Crushed Tomatoes:

 - Calories: About 80 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 18g

 - Protein: 3g 

Benefits: Provides vitamins C and K, and lycopene, an antioxidant.

1 Onion (finely chopped):

 - Calories: About 45 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 11g

 - Protein: 1g 

Benefits: Adds flavor and has health-promoting antioxidants.

2 Cloves Garlic (minced):

 - Calories: About 20 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 5g

 - Protein: 1g 

Benefits: Provides antimicrobial properties and supports cardiovascular health.

1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin:

 - Calories: About 8 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Enhances flavor and aids in digestion.

1 Teaspoon Ground Coriander:

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds flavor and has digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits.

1/2 Teaspoon Paprika:

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds color and flavor, and contains antioxidants.

Salt and Pepper to Taste:

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Enhances flavor. Use in moderation.

2 Cups Beef or Vegetable Broth:

 - Calories: About 30 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 4g 

Benefits: Adds flavor and richness to the sauce. Contains some nutrients depending on the type of broth.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific ingredients used and their brands.