Saffron-infused Stuffed Lamb Meatballs: Exotic Ras el Hanout Delight

Stuffed Kufta Recipe 🍲

Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 48 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 28 minutes
Servings: 4

Description:

Got some Ras el Hanout spice mix for Christmas and wondering what to whip up? Look no further than these delectable Stuffed Kuftas! Perfectly seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices, these lamb meatballs are simmered in a savory sauce infused with the rich flavors of tomatoes, saffron, and cloves. The surprise element? Hard-boiled eggs nestled within each meatball, adding a delightful twist to every bite. Serve over a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 onions, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 tablespoon Ras el Hanout spice mix
• A pinch of saffron threads
• 5 whole cloves
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon raisins
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 450g ground lamb
• 1 onion, grated
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon Ras el Hanout spice mix
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and cut into wedges

Instructions:

For the Sauce:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add chopped onions and cook until well softened, about 15 minutes, stirring often.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, Ras el Hanout spice mix, saffron threads, and whole cloves. Cook for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in water, tomato sauce, salt, raisins, and honey. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

For the Meatballs:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground lamb, grated onion, egg, Ras el Hanout spice mix, salt, and black pepper. Knead well until evenly incorporated.
2. Take walnut-sized portions of the meat mixture and flatten them into discs in the palm of your hand.
3. Place a wedge of hard-boiled egg in the center of each disc, then gently fold the meat around the egg to form stuffed meatballs.
4. Arrange the stuffed meatballs on a platter and refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up.

Assembly and Serving:

1. Once the sauce has simmered and thickened, carefully place the stuffed meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they are submerged.
2. Cover the pan and cook the meatballs in the simmering sauce for 10 minutes, without stirring, or until the meat is cooked through and the flavors have melded beautifully.
3. Serve the Stuffed Kufta hot over a bed of plain steamed rice, allowing the savory sauce to mingle with the fluffy grains for a truly mouthwatering experience.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 728
• Fat: 41.6g
• Saturated Fat: 14.3g
• Cholesterol: 241mg
• Sodium: 1717.3mg
• Carbohydrates: 63.5g
• Fiber: 5.4g
• Sugar: 36.7g
• Protein: 28.8g

With the enticing aroma of Ras el Hanout spice wafting through your kitchen, and the promise of tender, flavorful meatballs awaiting your taste buds, this Stuffed Kufta recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Give it a try and savor the exotic flavors of North African cuisine brought to life in this delicious dish!