Ćufte Balkan Meatballs

Name: Ćufte Balkan Meatballs
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 700 g ground pork and beef mix; 100 g uncooked rice; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pc egg; 1 tbsp sweet paprika powder; 0.5 tsp ground cumin; 0.5 tsp dried marjoram; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 400 g canned crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 250 ml water or vegetable broth; 1 tsp sugar; 1 leaf bay leaf; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Difficulty

easy

Time

1h 5m

Price Category

average

Calories

Medium

Ćufte, a beloved dish from the Balkans, is a delicious and hearty meal perfect for a family lunch or dinner. These tender meatballs are simmered in a rich, spicy tomato sauce, made extra juicy with rice and onion. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that is guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Prepare this classic Balkan recipe and bring the Mediterranean flavors into your home!

Steps

Prepare Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, uncooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, sweet paprika powder, ground cumin, dried marjoram, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Form the mixture into about 16-20 equally sized meatballs.

Brown Meatballs

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides until golden, about 5-7 minutes. They don't need to be cooked through, just get a nice crust. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare Sauce & Simmer

Pour the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water or broth, sugar, and bay leaf into the same skillet. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil. Return the browned meatballs to the sauce. Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the meatballs are fully cooked. Gently shake the pan occasionally to prevent sticking.

Serve

Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or fresh bread.

	Per 100g	Per Serving 250g
Calories	280 kcal	700 kcal
Protein	18g	45g
Fat	18g	45g
Carbohydrate	10g	25g
Fiber	1g	2.5g
Sugar	3g	7.5g

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Ćufte Balkan Meatballs

Difficulty

Time

Price Category

Calories

ingredients

Steps

Prepare Meatballs

Brown Meatballs

Prepare Sauce & Simmer

Serve

Extra Tips

► For even juicier meatballs, soak the rice in cold water for 10 minutes before mixing, then drain well.

► Experiment with spices! A pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika can add an exciting twist to the flavor.

► Serve with fresh bread, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.

Nutrition