Authentic Kofta Recipe: Spicy Lamb Meatballs with Rich Gravy

INGREDIENTS

2 teaspoons Garam Masala (recipe) 1‑1/2 pounds ground lamb or ground beef round 2 eggs 1‑1/2 cups finely chopped onions, divided 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger 1‑1/2 teaspoons salt, divided 24 whole blanched almonds 1 tablespoon peanut oil 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 2 tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped 1/2 cup water 1 cup plain yogurt

PREPARATION:

1. Prepare Garam Masala. Place 2 teaspoons in medium bowl. Add lamb, eggs, 1/2 cup onion, cilantro, garlic, ginger and 1/2 teaspoon salt; mix well. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. Shape mixture into 24 ovals or balls; insert 1 almond into each meatball. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the meatballs; cook 8 minutes or until brown, turning frequently. Remove meatballs from skillet. Repeat with remaining meatballs.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 cup onion. Cook and stir 6 to 8 minutes or until browned. Stir in remaining 1 teaspoon salt, coriander, cumin, chili powder and turmeric. Add tomatoes. Cook 5 minutes or until tomatoes are tender.
4. Add water; bring mixture to a boil over high heat. Add meatballs. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 15 minutes or until thoroughly cooked. Remove meatballs from skillet to serving platter; keep warm.
5. Remove skillet from heat; place yogurt in small bowl. Stir in several spoonfuls hot mixture. Stir yogurt mixture into sauce in skillet. Cook over medium-low heat until sauce thickens. Do not boil. Pour sauce over meatballs. Garnish as desired.

This recipe appears in: Middle Eastern