These Indian-style meatballs are bite-sized morsels of awesome. Perfect as an entree or appetizer.
Koftas – Indian Style Meatballs
These Indian-style meatballs are bite-sized morsels of awesome. Perfect as an entree or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground lamb
- 2 TBSP finely grated ginger
- 1 TBSP ground cumin
- 1 TBSP ground coriander
- 1/4 TSP ground cloves
- 1/4 TSP ground cinnamon
- 1/8 TSP grated nutmeg
- 1/4 TSP ground black pepper
- 1 dash cayenne pepper
- 1 TSP salt or to taste
- 5 TBSP plain yogurt
- 7-8 TBSP vegetable oil
- 1 2-inch cinnamon stick
- 6 cardamom pods
- 2 bay leaves
- 5 whole cloves
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions
- Combine lamb, ginger, cumin, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne, salt and 3 tablespoons of the yogurt in a large bowl. Mix well. Wet hands and shape mixture into approximately 24 koftas, 2-3 inches long and 1-inch thick.
- Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed (or cast iron) skillet. When hot, add whole spices: cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, whole cloves and bay leaves. Stir.
- Add meatballs in a single layer and fry on medium-high heat until lightly browned on all sides. Beat remaining yogurt and warm water. Pour yogurt-water mixture over the meatballs and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, turning the meatballs every 8 minutes.
- After a half hour, all of the liquid should have evaporated, leaving only grease in the pan. If necessary, turn the heat up to evaporate the yogurt-water mixture.
- Remove koftas with a slotted spoon, leaving the whole spices behind. Serve with basmati rice.
Recipe and Photo: Foodista / CC BY
