Koofteh Tabrizi Recipe (Herbed Meat & Rice Balls)
🕒 Prep Time: 5 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 55 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour
🍽️ Servings: 12
Description:
Indulge in the aromatic flavors of Koofteh Tabrizi, a delightful dish hailing from the heart of Southwest Asia. These herbed meat and rice balls are simmered to perfection in a savory broth, creating a wholesome and comforting meal perfect for lunch or snacks.

Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups rice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp tarragon, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Italian parsley, finely chopped
- 1 leek, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/2 onion, grated
- 3 onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup green peas
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, rice, salt, turmeric, pepper, tarragon, parsley, leek, dill, and grated onion.
- Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into firm balls, approximately 2-1/2 inches in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a tray and refrigerate for 1 hour to set.
-
Prepare the Broth:
- Heat oil in a large pan or soup kettle over moderate heat.
- Add thinly sliced onions and turmeric.
- Stir-fry until the onions are light brown, approximately 3 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes and salt, continue to stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour in water and bring the mixture to a boil.
-
Cook the Meatballs:
- Moisten your hands with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Gently place each meatball into the boiling broth, ensuring they are submerged.
- Cover the pan and cook over low heat, without stirring, for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, add green peas to the broth and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes.
- Throughout the cooking process, avoid stirring to prevent the meatballs from falling apart.
-
Serve:
- Once cooked, the broth will have reduced somewhat, and the meatballs will have swollen due to the expansion of rice.
- Serve the Koofteh Tabrizi warm, with the meatballs nestled in the flavorful broth.
- Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty textures of this traditional Southwest Asian dish!
Indulge in the warm embrace of Koofteh Tabrizi, a dish that combines the earthy goodness of meat and rice with fragrant herbs and spices, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether enjoyed as a satisfying lunch or a comforting snack, this recipe promises to delight your senses and leave you craving for more. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a culinary journey to discover the essence of authentic Southwest Asian cuisine!