Tabrizi Rice Kofta Recipe: Authentic, Rich, and Irresistible + Professional Tips to Keep Kofta from Falling Apart

According to Saednews, If you are looking for a delicious and nutritious meal, Tabrizi rice meatballs (Kufteh Tabrizi) are an excellent choice. This dish is prepared with a combination of meat, rice, and aromatic herbs, giving it a delightful flavor.

Kufteh is one of the traditional and very popular Iranian dishes. The cooking method of Tabrizi Kufteh varies across different cities in Iran. This tasty dish is a complete meal and, as its name suggests, originates from Tabriz.

How to Prepare Authentic Tabrizi Kufteh

Step 1:

First, soak the split peas until they soften, then cook them in a separate pot with water until fully tender.

Step 2:

Wash the rice and soak it with salt. Then boil it in a pot with some water and salt over high heat until the water evaporates completely. Set aside to cool.

Step 3:

Peel and wash one onion, then grate it finely and squeeze out its juice.

Step 4:

Place the grated onion, cooked split peas, and ground meat into a food processor and blend until completely combined.

Step 5:

Transfer the mixture to a larger bowl and add fresh or dried aromatic herbs.

Step 6:

Add egg, half-cooked rice, salt, pepper, turmeric, and grated nutmeg. Knead the mixture well with your hands until fully combined and sticky.

Step 7:

After kneading, cover the mixture with a plastic bag and let it rest in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Preparing the Sauce

Step 8:

Choose a suitable pot for the number of meatballs. Peel and wash one onion and slice it thinly (or finely chop/grate if you prefer not to see pieces in the sauce).

Step 9:

Sauté the onion in oil until golden. Add turmeric and continue frying.

Step 10:

Add tomato paste and fry until it loses its raw smell and changes color.

Step 11:

Add salt and black pepper to the sauce.

Step 12:

Add about 1.5 cups of water to the pot. Place the prepared meatballs into the sauce. Increase heat until boiling, then reduce to low heat and let them cook slowly.

The sauce should not be too much or too little—just enough to cover the meatballs halfway.

Important Tips for Tabrizi Kufteh

To prevent the meatballs from falling apart, knead the mixture again before shaping. Take portions about the size of an orange and shape them into smooth balls without cracks.

Wet your hands with water while shaping to prevent sticking.

Carefully place the meatballs one by one into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over them so they change color evenly.

Cover the pot and let them cook on low heat for about 40 minutes. Occasionally pour sauce over the meatballs so the top does not dry out.

Do not leave the meatballs in the sauce after cooking for too long, as they may fall apart.

Optional Fillings

Some people add boiled egg yolk, barberries, walnuts, or plums inside the meatballs. This is optional and depends on personal preference. You can use one or a combination of these ingredients, or prepare it plain.

Additional Notes

• Preparation time: about 1 hour

• Cooking time: about 1 hour

• Serving size: 6 people

• Can be served for lunch or dinner

• Also suitable for iftar during Ramadan

Enjoy your homemade Tabrizi Kufteh!