Meatballs with Saffron Rice

Meatballs with Saffron Rice

Meatballs with Saffron Rice

Do you like meatballs? I like meatballs. These particular ones are of Persian cuisine; browned then simmered in a saffron tomato sauce; served over saffron rice. These meatballs do not contain egg or breadcrumbs, so they are a little denser, but still tender.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Iranian
Keyword: Beef, Iranian, main course
Author: Alex Gorgos

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 medium onion grated
  • 2 tsp ground saffron dissolved in 1/2 cup warm water
  • 2 tsp turmeric
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 tbsp tomato sauce
  • 3 tbsp parsley chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • Dissolve 2 tsp of ground saffron in a 1/2 cup of warm water.
    Iranian, main course, beef
  • Add half of the saffron liquid to the ground been, grated onion, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
    Iranian, main course, beef
  • Mix thoroughly.
    Iranian, main course, beef
  • To get perfectly even sized Meatballs, I use a small cookie dropper. Once the meatball mix is portioned out, roll them into balls. You should yield 2 dozen meatballs.
    Iranian, main course, beef
  • Heat up cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs for 5 minutes.
    Iranian, main course, beef
  • Pour in the rest of the saffron water. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
    Iranian, main course, beef
  • Stir in the tomato sauce. Turn the heat to medium high and simmer for 5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken.
    Iranian, main course, beef
  • Serve over saffron rice. Garnish with chopped parsley.
    Iranian, main course, beef