Description
Juicy spiced meatballs simmered in a rich and fragrant tomato-based masala, blending Middle Eastern kofta flavors with an Indian-style curry twist. Perfect for curry nights or special homemade dinners.
Ingredients
1 pound ground lamb or beef
1 small onion, grated
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
1/2 cup water or as needed
1/4 cup plain yogurt, whisked
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground meat with grated onion, parsley, mint, ground coriander, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Knead well and shape into koftas.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the koftas on all sides. Set them aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until golden brown.
- Add ginger garlic paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Stir in turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Let the spices cook for about a minute.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and the oil separates.
- Pour in water and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Gently place the browned koftas into the sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Stir in the whisked yogurt and cook for another 3–5 minutes.
- Finish with fresh cilantro and lemon juice before serving.
Notes
You can use either lamb or beef for the koftas depending on preference.
For a dairy-free version, substitute yogurt with coconut cream.
Add green chilies for extra heat if desired.
Blend the masala sauce for a smoother texture before adding koftas.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Middle Eastern & Indian)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
