Dive into the rich and aromatic world of Persian cuisine with our delectable recipe for Koofteh Berenji, or Persian Meatballs Rice! This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Iran. Picture perfectly spiced meatballs, tender basmati rice, and a fragrant sauce that ties it all together. Whether you’re looking to impress your dinner guests or treat yourself to a comforting homemade feast, this recipe is your ticket to culinary delight. Don’t miss out on the chance to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious—read on to discover the secrets behind this Persian classic!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Persian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, grated
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup mint, chopped
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with the grated onion, chopped parsley, chopped mint, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. You can use your hands for better mixing.
- Form the meat mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. You should get around 12-16 meatballs depending on the size you make. Set the meatballs aside on a plate.
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the pot. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot; you may need to do this in batches.
- Once the meatballs are browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside on a plate. In the same pot, add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add 3 cups of water to the pot and bring it to a simmer. Once simmering, carefully return the meatballs to the pot. Cover the pot and let the meatballs cook in the sauce for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the rice. In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked and drained basmati rice to the boiling water along with a pinch of salt. Stir gently and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the rice steam for about 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
- To serve, place a generous portion of the rice on each plate and top with the meatballs and sauce. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or mint if desired. Enjoy your Persian Meatballs Rice Koofteh Berenji!
Tips
- Rinse and Soak the Rice: Always rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Soaking it for 30 minutes not only helps with texture but also ensures fluffy rice.
- Mixing the Meat: For the best flavor and texture, use your hands to mix the meat with the herbs and spices. This ensures an even distribution of ingredients and a well-seasoned meatball.
- Browning the Meatballs: Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning the meatballs. Give them space to cook evenly and develop a nice crust, which adds depth to the dish.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it lets the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in tender meatballs infused with the rich sauce.
- Perfect Rice Steaming: When cooking the rice, keep the lid on while it steams to trap the steam inside. This will help the rice cook evenly and become fluffy.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or mint before serving not only enhances the dish’s appearance but also adds a fresh burst of flavor.
- Serve with Love: Present your Koofteh Berenji with a generous portion of rice and a ladle of sauce over the meatballs. Enjoy with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
