KUFTA QEEMA DAR

(Meatballs with prunes)

Ingredients 

1 1/2 pounds ground lamb or beef

1 large onion (grated)

1/2 cup fresh gashneez (cilantro) or parsley(minced)

2 cloves of garlic (crushed)

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt 

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

2 eggs

1/2 pound dried, small sour prunes

4 tab1espoons vegetable oil

1 large onion (diced)

1/2 cup split dried garbanzo beans (soaked in water)

1/2 cup tomato sauce

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 1/2 cups water

Directions 

Beat the eggs in a bowl. Add the ground meat, onions, garlic, cilantro or parsley, black pepper, cumin, salt, and turmeric. Using your hands, mix well. Chill for 20 minutes.

Shape the meat mixture into small balls and place one prune inside each ball, covering it with meat. Heat the oil in a heavy frying pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, remove and set aside.

 

Fry the diced onions until golden brown. Add the tomato sauce, lemon juice and garbanzo beans and bring to a boil. Add the meatballs to this sauce. Simmer covered for 40-45 minutes until the meat and garbanzo beans are cooked. There should be a thick sauce.

 

Kufta Qeema Dar is served hot with Ketcheree Quroot(an Afghan rice dish) or Aush(Afghan noodles).

 

Serves 6-8.