Kanda

Kanda

Kanda

As the name says, the Central African Republic is located in the heart of Central Africa. Kanda is a popular dish of beef meatballs simmered in a tomato sauce, served with steamed rice. What sets these meatballs apart from others is that ground toasted pumpkin seeds are used in place of breadcrumbs. They add a texture to the meatballs that I now wish all meatballs had. The meatballs also are thrown in uncooked into the sauce. They turn out extremely tender. Considering how basic this entire recipe is, there is no shortness of flavor. Instead of serving the meatballs with pasta, they are served with rice.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Central African Republic
Keyword: Beef, central african, Central African Republic, main course
Author: Alex Gorgos

Equipment

  • food processor

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups pumpkin seeds
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup parsley chopped
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp black pepper

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 Roma tomatoes diced
  • 3 bird’s eye chilies chopped
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • salt to taste

Garnish

  • parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Place the pumpkin seeds in a cold, dry pan. Turn the heat to medium. Dry toast for 5 minutes.
    Central African, main course, beef
  • Place the pumpkin seeds in a food processor. Grind into a powder.
    Central African, main course, beef
  • Place the onions, garlic, and parsley in the food processor. Purée. Mix with the ground beef, ground pumpkin seeds, salt and pepper.
    Central African, main course, beef
  • Roll into golf ball sized meatballs. Place in the refrigerator until ready for use.
    Central African, main course, beef
  • Heat up cooking oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Sauté the onions for 5 minutes.
    Central African, main course, beef
  • Add in the tomatoes and chilies. Season with salt. Cover the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for for 5 minutes.
    Central African, main course, beef
  • Add in the tomato paste. Pour in the water. Give the pan a stir. Add in the meatballs. Place the cover on a simmer for 30 minutes.
    Central African, main course, beef
  • Remove the cover and simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
    Central African, main course, beef
Central African, main course, beef
Serve the meatballs and sauce with steamed rice. Garnish with chopped parsley.