Flavorful Afghan Spiced Kofta
Discover the rich and aromatic flavors of Afghanistan with these Flavorful Afghan Spiced Kofta. These spicy meatballs are made from a delightful blend of spices, chickpeas, and succulent minced meat, ensuring they remain moist and packed with flavor without absorbing excess oil. Perfect as an appetizer, these kofta can be served on toothpicks for easy eating, making them an ideal addition to any gathering or celebration. Each bite delivers a burst of nostalgic taste that takes you on a culinary journey to the heart of Afghan cuisine.
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
split chickpeas
2 tablespoons (soaked for 10 minutes and boiled until cooked)
onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
coriander
1 teaspoon (ground)
cloves
3 (whole)
cinnamon stick
1/2 inch (whole)
salt
to taste (to season)
minced meat
1/2 kg (fresh, preferably lamb or beef)
Instructions
1
Soak the split chickpeas in water for 10 minutes, then drain and boil them until fully cooked. Drain again and set aside.
2
In a blender, combine the cooked split chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, black pepper, cumin, coriander, cloves, cinnamon stick, and salt. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste, adding a few tablespoons of water if necessary.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended mixture with the minced meat, mixing thoroughly until well combined.
4
Shape the mixture into 1/2 inch balls, ensuring they are compact.
5
In a frying pan, heat 1/2 inch of oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the meatballs in the oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown on all sides, about 4-6 minutes per batch.
6
Remove the kofta from the frying pan and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Flavorful Afghan Spiced Kofta?
They are spicy meatballs made from a blend of minced meat, split chickpeas, and aromatic spices, typically served as an appetizer in Afghan cuisine.
What kind of meat should I use for this kofta recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 kg of fresh minced meat, with lamb or beef being the preferred choices.
How do I prepare the chickpeas for the meatballs?
Soak 2 tablespoons of split chickpeas in water for 10 minutes, then boil them until fully cooked and drain.
What spices are used in the Afghan Spiced Kofta?
The spice blend includes black pepper, cumin, coriander, cloves, and a cinnamon stick.
How do I make the spice and chickpea paste?
Combine the cooked split chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, and all spices in a blender and blend until smooth.
What should I do if the paste is too thick to blend?
You can add a few tablespoons of water to the blender to help achieve a smooth paste consistency.
How do I combine the paste with the meat?
In a large mixing bowl, mix the blended chickpea and spice paste thoroughly with the minced meat until well combined.
What size should the meatballs be?
Shape the mixture into small, compact balls that are approximately 1/2 inch in diameter.
How much oil is needed for frying the kofta?
Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
How long does it take to fry the meatballs?
Fry the kofta until they are golden brown on all sides, which typically takes about 4-6 minutes per batch.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 24 servings.
How do I serve Afghan Spiced Kofta at a party?
They are best served hot on toothpicks for easy eating, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce.
What is the benefit of adding chickpeas to the meat?
The chickpeas help keep the meatballs moist and flavorful while preventing them from absorbing excess oil during frying.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for gatherings and traditional meals.
Should I drain the oil after frying?
Yes, place the cooked kofta on paper towels after frying to drain any excess oil.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
What is the amount of cumin used?
You will need 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
How much coriander is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of ground coriander.
What type of onion is needed?
One chopped onion is used to create the flavor base in the blender.
Are whole spices used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 3 whole cloves and a 1/2 inch cinnamon stick, which are blended into the paste.
How much black pepper should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Is salt included in the recipe?
Yes, salt is added to taste to season the meat mixture.
Can I use this recipe for a celebration?
Yes, these meatballs are ideal for celebrations, gatherings, and as party food.
What heat setting should be used for frying?
Use medium heat to ensure the meatballs cook through without burning the exterior.
Should the meatballs be compact?
Yes, ensure the balls are compact when shaping them so they hold together during the frying process.
What is the category of this dish?
This dish is categorized under Meat dishes.
Does the recipe use fresh meat?
Yes, it specifically calls for fresh minced meat for the best results.
How many ingredients are in the Afghan Spiced Kofta?
There are a total of 10 ingredients including the meat, legumes, and various spices.
Is the cinnamon stick cooked with the meat?
The cinnamon stick is blended into the smooth paste before being mixed with the meat.
What is the total frying time per batch?
Each batch takes between 4 to 6 minutes to reach a golden brown color.