Persian Surprise Meatballs
1 lb. ground beef
1 large onion
3 cloves garlic
Handful of parsley, cilantro and mint
1/3 cup basmati rice, rinsed
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Sauce:
1 tsp saffron, ground and steeped in 1/4 c water
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 c tomato paste
1 cup water
1 tbsp silan
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Salt and pepper, To taste
18oz dried Turkish apricots
Method:
In a food processor, pulse the onion and garlic until finally chopped. Place 2/3 of the mixture into a large saucepan.
Add the ground beef to a large mixing bowl with the remaining onion mixture. Chop the herbs in the food processor and add to the meat. Add rice and spices and mix to combine. Refrigerate while you prepare the sauce.
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan with the onion mixture. Sauté until softened and translucent. Add the tomato paste and sauté until it takes on a darker color. Deglaze with a cup of water and add the saffron water. Add silan, cinnamon, salt and pepper and simmer for 2 minutes.
Split the apricots open so that they are closed from one side. Stuff the apricots with a small meatball. Place in the pan in a spiral pattern.
Pour 2 cups of water over the meatballs and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1 hour.
Garnish with herbs.
