Recipe: Kufteh Sabzi for Beverly (Iranian Meatballs in Sauce)

Kufteh Sabzi (Iranian Meatballs in Sauce)

2 tbsp Basmati rice (uncooked)
3 tbsp lentils
2 cups water
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped
1/2 cup parsley
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp. butter
1/2 onion, finely diced
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 lemon (juice only)
1 1/2 cup beef or vegetable stock

Cook the rice and lentils in 2 cups of water until tender (20-30 minutes). Drain and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, green onions, parsley, egg, cooked rice and lentils, salt and pepper, and cinnamon. Form the meat mixture into walnut-sized balls.

In a large skillet, melt butter and saute onion until tender.

Add tomato sauce, lemon juice and stock. Place meatballs in sauce and simmer for 30 minutes, basting the meatballs occasionally.

Place the meatballs on a large serving dish and pour the sauce evenly over them. Serve with warm Pita Bread.