Editorial sample recipeAfghanbeginnerhalalhigh-proteindairy-free

Afghan Braised Spiced Beef Meatballs In Garlic Tomato Sauce

Name: Afghan Braised Spiced Beef Meatballs In Garlic Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Afghan
Ingredients: 1 lb halal ground beef, 85% lean; 1 medium yellow onion, finely grated and drained of juice; 1.5 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp ground cumin; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1.5 cups halal beef broth; 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained; 2 tbsp olive oil

Savory halal beef meatballs seasoned with coriander and cumin, gently simmered with chickpeas in a thick garlic and tomato gravy.

Prep: 20 min
Cook: 30 min
Total: 50 min

AI-generated illustration of Afghan Braised Spiced Beef Meatballs In Garlic Tomato Sauce

AI illustration

Technique to learn

Meatball Searing and Braising

Browning meatballs first seals in juices and creates flavorful pan drippings that enrich the surrounding braising liquid.

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, half of the grated onion, 1 teaspoon coriander, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and 1 teaspoon salt; mix gently and form into 12 meatballs.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat and sear meatballs for 6 minutes, rolling them until evenly browned on all sides, then set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Add remaining grated onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook over medium heat for 3 minutes until softened.

Step 4: Stir in tomato paste, remaining coriander, and remaining cumin, cooking for 2 minutes to darken the tomato paste.

Step 5: Pour in halal beef broth and chickpeas, bring to a gentle simmer, then carefully add the meatball back into the skillet.

Step 6: Cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes until meatballs are thoroughly cooked through and sauce has thickened.

Cooking tips

Grate the onion finely and squeeze excess moisture using paper towels to keep meatballs firm.
Let the sauce rest for 5 minutes off heat so meatballs absorb extra moisture before serving.
Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Afghan; regional versions vary.
Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.

Sign in to save this recipe, plan it, and log it when you cook it.

Sign in