Best 10 Afghan Meatballs Recipes

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Afghan meatballs, also known as Kofta, are a delectable and flavorful Middle Eastern dish that tantalizes taste buds with its unique blend of spices and herbs. These succulent orbs of minced meat are often served as an appetizer or main course and can be cooked in various ways, offering a delightful culinary journey. Whether simmered in a rich tomato sauce, grilled to perfection, or baked with a golden crust, Afghan meatballs are sure to impress with their distinct charm and culinary heritage.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MIDDLE EASTERN MEATBALLS (KOFTA KEBABS)



Middle Eastern Meatballs (Kofta Kebabs) image

Middle Eastern Meatballs (Kofta Kebabs) made in just one bowl and ready to bake in 15 minutes with authentic middle eastern spices, it tastes like the ground beef kebab you love but with minimal effort.

Provided by Sabrina Snyder

Categories     Main Course

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh mint (minced)
6 cloves garlic (minced)
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
2 pounds ground beef
1/3 cup grated onion

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
  • Add all the ingredients except the beef into a bowl and stir well.
  • Add in the beef and stir until just combined.
  • Form into 1/4 cup meatballs (I use an ice cream scoop) onto your cast iron skillet or sheet pan.
  • Cook for 15-18 minutes or until cooked through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 94 kcal, Carbohydrate 1 g, Protein 10 g, Fat 5 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 33 mg, Sodium 229 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

KOFTA CHALAO



Kofta Chalao image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 teaspoons breadcrumbs
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/4 bunch cilantro, chopped
Salt and black pepper
6 teaspoons cooking oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/3 cup tomato paste
1/3 cup yellow split peas
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
8 to 10 dried plums
2 small sweet peppers, chopped
2 plum tomatoes, chopped
1/4 bunch cilantro, chopped
Salt and black pepper
6 cups cooked white basmati rice (chalao)

Steps:

  • For the kofta: Mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, coriander, cumin, garlic, onions, cilantro and 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Form the mixture into 1-ounce balls.
  • For the sauce: Heat the oil in a pot. Fry the onions until translucent. Add the garlic and 2 1/2 cups water; bring to a boil. Stir in the tomato paste, split peas, coriander, paprika, turmeric, dried plums, sweet peppers, tomatoes, cilantro and some salt and black pepper. Add the kofta, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Serve with the basmati rice.

KOFTA CHALLOW (AFGHAN MEATBALLS WITH RICE)



Kofta Challow (Afghan Meatballs with Rice) image

Kofta Afghani recipe is one of the delightful recipes usually served with basmati rice; a delicious combo called kofta challow.

Provided by Afghan Yummy Food

Categories     Main

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 18

3 Cups basmati rice
½ Cup Vegetable oil
Species
1 tbsp. Cumin seeds
2 tbsp. salt
1 tbsp. Black Pepper (Finely Ground)
1 tsp Cardamom (Finely Ground)
2 cups coriander, minced
1 green pepper, minced
3 cloves of Garlic, minced
2 onion, minced
1/2 kg ground beef or veal
1 egg
1/2 tbsp. Black Pepper (grounded)
1 1/2tbsp. Coriander Powder
1 tbsp. Salt
1/2 cup Oil
1 cup Tomato Sauce

Steps:

  • Rinse rice (First make sure to rinse the rice. Leave it aside for few hours before cooking.
  • The taste of it will be much better if it is rinsed and soaked in advance.
  • Boil water (Boil water in a pasta pot with strainer or use a regular pot and drain the water after boiling using a strainer.
  • Once the water is boiled, add the rice and boil for few minutes or until the rice is soft and long.
  • Drain water from rice
  • Heat a Pan on High heat and add vegetable oil, boiled rice, salt dissolved in warm water and the spices (Cumin seeds, Black Pepper, Cardamom)
  • Mix well
  • Make holes with the back of spatula.
  • Cover the lid with a kitchen towel and place it on the pot.
  • Cook on low heat for at least 25 to 30 minutes.
  • 10. Serve with your favourite curry
  • In an electric food chopper, add coriander, green pepper, onion, garlic, and mince
  • In a big bowel, add meat, the minced mixture, and spices.
  • Mix well.
  • Add onions in a electric food chopper.
  • Fry the minced onions in a large saucepan.
  • Add tomato sauce.
  • Add water leave on high heat until it comes to boil.
  • Make small balls from meat mixture and add to the sauce.
  • Leave it on low for 30 minutes to cook.
  • 10. Serve with basmati rice or naan bread.

Nutrition Facts :

SPICY AFGHAN MEATBALL/KOFTA



Spicy Afghan Meatball/Kofta image

Delicious spicy meatballs which never absorb oil. Makes a good appetizer if you make small meatballs and put them on a toothpick.

Provided by Indian Cook

Categories     Meat

Time 35m

Yield 24 meatballls

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons split chickpeas
1 onion
3 garlic cloves
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
3 cloves
1/2 inch cinnamon stick
salt
1/2 kg mincemeat

Steps:

  • soak the split chickpeas for 10 min then boil till cooked.
  • Put all the ingerdients except the mince into the blender and grind till smooth with a few Tbsp water.
  • Mix with the meat.
  • Shape into 1/2 inch balls.
  • Shallow fry in 1/2 inch of oil till brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 60.8, Sodium 7.1, Carbohydrate 15, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 10.3, Protein 0.2

NORTH AFRICAN MEATBALLS



North African Meatballs image

Provided by Melissa d'Arabian : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 30

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 lemon, zested
1/2 cup pitted and chopped briny olives
1/2 cup white wine
1/4 cup chicken stock or broth
1 (14-ounce) can crushed or diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
Pinch ground cinnamon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 egg
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Pinch ground cinnamon
3/4 pound ground beef
1/3 cup finely ground rolled oats or fine bread crumbs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 to 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, for cooking
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Couscous with Dried Dates, recipe follows
1 cup water
1 cup chicken stock or broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped dried dates
1 cup quick-cooking couscous
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • To make the North African Sauce:
  • In a large saucepan heat the olive oil over medium heat and saute the onion and garlic until soft but not brown, about 3 minutes. Add the lemon zest and olives and cook for 1 more minute. Add the white wine, deglaze the pan, and let it reduce for a 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the stock, canned tomatoes, sugar, red pepper flakes, and cinnamon, and simmer to blend flavors, about 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • To make the Meatballs: In a medium bowl, add the egg and tomato paste and stir until smooth. Add the cilantro, ginger, cumin, and cinnamon and mix until well blended. Stir in the ground beef and oats, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and combine gently after each addition. Do not overmix. Rolling with your hands, make about 32 meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.
  • In a large saute pan, heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium heat, and brown the meatballs in batches until golden on all sides. Add more oil, as needed. Transfer the meatballs to the pan with the sauce and let simmer for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve over the Couscous with Dried Dates.
  • Couscous with Dried Dates:
  • Bring the water, stock, and oil to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the dates followed by the couscous. Cover the pan tightly with a lid, remove from the heat, and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.
  • Yield: 4 servings

AFGHANI MEATBALLS & NOODLES



Afghani Meatballs & Noodles image

Make and share this Afghani Meatballs & Noodles recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Just_Ducky

Categories     Meatballs

Time 1h30m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 lbs ground beef
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 pinch cayenne pepper
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 Spanish onion, finely chopped
2 (14 ounce) cans tomato sauce
4 sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
1 lb noodles
1 1/2 cups plain kefir (or yogurt)
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 cup of fresh mint, chopped

Steps:

  • For the meatballs:.
  • In a bowl, combine the beef, cinnamon, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, salt, pepper, and half of the garlic. With clean hands, mix thoroughly, then shape the meat into 3/4-inch meatballs. Set aside and let sit for 30 - 90 minutes to allow flavours to meld.
  • In a large, heavy pan, heat the oil, add the onion, and cook over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until it is very soft. Turn the heat to medium-high and add the meatballs. Cook, turning them often, until they lose their pink color.
  • Add the plum tomatoes and remaining garlic. Cover the pan, turn down the heat, and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper and cook the mixture for 5 minutes over low heat, stirring once or twice.
  • For the noodles:.
  • Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until they are tender but still have some bite. Drain the noodles and transfer them to a bowl. Stir in the kefir, garlic, and salt. Toss thoroughly and transfer to 6 wide bowls. Spoon meatballs around the edges of each bowl of noodles, add the mint to the center and serve at once.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 689.7, Fat 28.8, SaturatedFat 10.1, Cholesterol 166.7, Sodium 846.1, Carbohydrate 65.8, Fiber 6, Sugar 8.4, Protein 41.5

AFGHAN MEATBALLS



Afghan Meatballs image

Back in the late '60s, when I went to community college, I made friends with several students from Afghanistan and Iran, who were away from home for the first time and trying to fill their stomachs on a budget and battle homesickness at the same time. This is one of their main dishes, which can feed a small army with less than 2...

Provided by Miriam Bucholtz

Categories     Other Main Dishes

Time 1h25m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 to 1 1/2 lb ground beef (other ground meat may be mixed in or used)
several large potatoes (one for each person, and one more for the pot)
one medium yellow onion, chopped or grated (useful idea for people who refuse to eat onion if they see it)
one egg
one dash(es) spices: salt, pepper; garlic salt, lemon pepper; whichever you like
one pinch dired dill, if you like
1 - 1 1/2 c ketchup (you might want to add more if sauce is too watery)
cooked rice to serve dish over

Steps:

  • 1. Fill large pan or Dutch oven with about 6 cups of water, to start; you can always add more if you need it. Add ketchup, and bring to boil; turn down heat to avoid splashing.
  • 2. Beat egg slightly, mix together with meat, onion, and spices. Mix with hands, and form meatballs. They will be soft and a little gooey, thanks to the egg, but don't worry. Drop meatballs, as you form them, into ketchup water. Turn heat down to simmer.
  • 3. As the water sets the meatballs, cut the potatoes into medium-sized chunks (you can leave the skin on, if you want). Gently add these to the water. Cover pot, and simmer for about an hour. The longer this cooks, the better it tastes, and it makes great leftovers. Afghans, I'm told, tend to boil their meat, since the ovens they use for baking produces heat that is unreliable for killing all the harmful bacteria in meat.
  • 4. Serve over plain white or brown rice. This dish can also be made using chicken parts (dark meat is best) by eliminating the egg, slicing the onion, and first browning the chicken & onion lightly in olive oil before adding to the water. Add the spices to the water.

NORTH AFRICAN MEATBALLS



North African Meatballs image

In France, meatballs are called boulettes, and by far the favorite versions are the spice-scented North African type. Most of the neighborhood Tunisian and Moroccan restaurants in Paris offer them, served as an appetizer or a side, or in a fragrant main-course tagine with couscous. This recipe is an amalgam of several that I found on my bookshelf, among them one called boulettes tangéroises in an old French cookbook. Since I like things a bit spicier, my boulettes are more like Tunisian ones, in which hot pepper is more assertive.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings, about 36 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 33

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 and 1/2 cups finely diced onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 inch piece cinnamon stick
Large pinch saffron, crumbled
Salt and pepper
3 cups chicken broth, vegetable broth or water
1 and 1/2 cups cubed day-old firm white bread
1 cup milk
1 pound ground beef or lamb
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon turmeric
2 teaspoons paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
3 tablespoons finely chopped scallion
All-purpose flour, for dusting
Olive oil or vegetable oil
1 cup giant couscous, m'hamsa, or medium couscous
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup golden raisins, soaked in hot water to soften, then drained
Salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps:

  • Make the sauce: Heat oil over medium-high heat in a wide, heavy bottomed saucepan. Add onion and cook without browning until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, tomato paste, cinnamon and saffron, and stir well to incorporate. Season generously with salt and pepper, and allow to sizzle for 1 minute more. Add broth and simmer gently for 5 minutes. May be made several hours in advance, up to a day.
  • Make the meatballs: Put bread cubes and milk in a small bowl. Leave bread to soak until softened, about 5 minutes, then squeeze dry.
  • In a mixing bowl, put squeezed-out bread, ground meat and egg. Add salt, pepper, garlic, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, paprika, cayenne, cloves, coriander and cumin. Mix well with hands to distribute seasoning. Add 2 tablespoons each of parsley, cilantro and scallion, and knead for a minute. May be prepared several hours in advance, up to a day.
  • With hands, roll mixture into small round balls about the size of a quarter. Dust balls lightly with flour. Heat a few tablespoons of oil, or a quarter-inch depth, over medium-high heat and fry meatballs until barely browned, about 2 minutes per side. Drain and blot on paper towel. Simmer meatballs in saffron-tomato sauce, covered, over medium heat for about 20 minutes, until tender.
  • Meanwhile, make the couscous, if desired: Cook according to package directions, fluff gently and stir in butter and raisins. Season with salt and cinnamon, and toss well.
  • Garnish meatballs with remaining parsley, cilantro and scallion. Serve with couscous and roasted tomatoes if desired.

THE BEST MEATBALLS



The Best Meatballs image

I never knew how to make good meatballs until I found this recipe. I normally make mine with just ground beef and they still taste great. I've used the combination of pork, beef and veal and they are equally good. Definitely use fresh bread crumbs and freshly grate your cheese instead of using the canned variety...it really does make a difference.

Provided by Geanine

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 50m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound ground beef
½ pound ground veal
½ pound ground pork
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs
1 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
1 ½ tablespoons chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 cups stale Italian bread, crumbled
1 ½ cups lukewarm water
1 cup olive oil

Steps:

  • Combine beef, veal, and pork in a large bowl. Add garlic, eggs, cheese, parsley, salt and pepper.
  • Blend bread crumbs into meat mixture. Slowly add the water 1/2 cup at a time. The mixture should be very moist but still hold its shape if rolled into meatballs. (I usually use about 1 1/4 cups of water). Shape into meatballs.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Fry meatballs in batches. When the meatball is very brown and slightly crisp remove from the heat and drain on a paper towel. (If your mixture is too wet, cover the meatballs while they are cooking so that they hold their shape better.)

Nutrition Facts : Calories 613.4 calories, Carbohydrate 6.6 g, Cholesterol 148.6 mg, Fat 53.2 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 26.6 g, SaturatedFat 15 g, Sodium 333.1 mg, Sugar 0.3 g

ALGERIAN KEFTA (MEATBALLS)



Algerian Kefta (Meatballs) image

This simple meatball dish is delicious, rich, and fresh. It was taught to me by my Algerian husband, one of his favorites from home. The tomato sauce can be used for anything and the amounts of flavors can be adjusted. I like a lot of garlic and pepper. I have also found halal hamburger to be much leaner and lighter than regular. You can find it at international food stores and halal butcher shops in bigger cities. Serve this dish with a French baguette.

Provided by jacqueline senouci

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     African

Time 1h

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pound lean ground beef
4 cloves garlic, minced, divided
¼ cup finely chopped onion, divided
salt and pepper to taste
3 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon ras el hanout
½ cup water

Steps:

  • Combine the ground beef with half of the minced garlic and a tablespoon of chopped onion. Mix with your hands until fully incorporated. Shape the meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch oblong patties; you should have 12 to 14 meatballs.
  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the patties in batches until they are crispy on both sides and are no longer pink in the center, about 10 minutes. Set the meatballs aside in a rimmed serving dish and repeat with the remaining patties.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the remaining chopped onion. Add salt and pepper. Cook the onions in the drippings, stirring constantly, until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining half of the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Stir in the roma tomatoes, dried parsley, ras el hanout, and water. Cook until the tomatoes are soft, about 5 minutes. Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 423.7 calories, Carbohydrate 5.3 g, Cholesterol 113.5 mg, Fat 31.5 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 27.8 g, SaturatedFat 12.6 g, Sodium 110.8 mg, Sugar 2.3 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right meat. Ground beef is the most common meat used for meatballs, but you can also use lamb, pork, or a combination of meats. If you're using ground beef, choose a leaner cut, such as 85% lean or 90% lean. This will help to prevent the meatballs from becoming too greasy.
  • Season the meat well. Meatballs should be well-seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices. You can also add herbs, such as parsley, oregano, or thyme. Be sure to mix the seasonings into the meat evenly.
  • Handle the meat gently. Overworking the meat will make the meatballs tough. Mix the ingredients together just until they are combined. Then, shape the meatballs into balls and place them in the cooking pan.
  • Pan-fry the meatballs before simmering them. This will help to brown the meatballs and give them a crispy crust. Be sure to pan-fry the meatballs over medium heat so that they don't burn.
  • Simmer the meatballs in a flavorful sauce. The sauce will help to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful. You can use a variety of sauces for meatballs, such as tomato sauce, marinara sauce, or a creamy sauce.
  • Serve the meatballs with your favorite sides. Meatballs can be served with a variety of sides, such as pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve the meatballs as an appetizer or snack.

Conclusion:

Meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They're perfect for a weeknight meal, a party, or a potluck. With so many different variations on the classic meatball recipe, there's sure to be a recipe that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give meatballs a try.

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