Tabriz meatballs facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Kufteh Tabrizi, koofteh Tabrizi |
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| Type | Meatballs |
| Place of origin |  Iran |
| Main ingredients | Ground meat, rice, leeks, split peas, and other ingredients |
| Variations | Ciorbă de perişoare, sulu köfte, yuvarlak, Smyrna meatballs |
Tabriz meatballs (Persian: کوفته تبریزی, romanized: kufteh Tabrizi), also called koofteh Tabrizi, are a special kind of meatball from the city of Tabriz in Iran. These meatballs are quite large and are a popular part of Iranian cuisine.
The dish usually has a big meatball. It is made with ingredients like ground meat, rice, yellow split peas, and fresh herbs. It also comes with a tasty sauce. This sauce is often served separately. People usually enjoy it with shredded sangak or lavash bread. This is often eaten before the main meal.
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What are Tabriz Meatballs?
Tabriz meatballs are famous for their size. They are much bigger than regular meatballs you might know. They are a comforting and filling meal. This dish is a true taste of Iranian cooking traditions.
How to Make Tabriz Meatballs
Making these meatballs is a fun process. The main ingredients are ground beef, rice, and yellow split peas. You also add fresh vegetables like leeks, mint, and parsley. Onions and various spices give it a great flavor.
Inside the Meatball
What makes these meatballs extra special is what's inside. Each large meatball has a surprise center. This core can include a boiled egg, walnuts, and fried onions. Sometimes, dried apricots are also added for a sweet and tangy taste.
Cooking the Meatballs
After the meatballs are shaped, they are cooked slowly. This cooking method is called braising. They are gently simmered in a flavorful sauce. This sauce is made with fried onions, tomato paste, and barberries. Barberries are small, tart red berries. They add a unique sour taste to the dish. Some recipes even wrap the meatball around a small stuffed bird before cooking!
The Name: Kufteh Tabrizi
The name Kufteh Tabrizi tells us a lot about the dish. It simply means 'meatball of Tabriz'. The word kufteh comes from the Persian word kuftan. This word means 'to beat' or 'to grind'. This makes sense because the ingredients for the meatballs are often ground or beaten together.
