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Persian Koofteh Kebab in Tomato Sauce with Golden Kateh Rice

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Juicy Persian-style koofteh kebabs simmered in a spiced tomato sauce, served with golden, buttery Kateh rice and crispy fries. A rich, traditional dish that brings bold flavor and comforting textures to the table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Koofteh Kebab (Meatballs):
  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for searing)
  • For the Tomato Sauce:
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 cups tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • For the Kateh Rice:
  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 3 cups water
  • 3 tbsp butter or oil
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • For Serving:
  • French fries, golden and crisp
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and shape into small round meatballs.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté chopped onion until golden, then add garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
  4. Stir in tomato puree, paprika, cinnamon (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Return the seared koofteh kebabs to the sauce. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
  6. Rinse basmati rice until water runs clear. In a pot, combine rice, water, butter or oil, turmeric, and salt. Cover and cook over low heat until water is absorbed and rice is fluffy with a golden crust (tahdig), about 25 minutes.
  7. Fry or bake French fries until golden and crisp.
  8. To serve, arrange koofteh kebabs in sauce on a platter. Serve with Kateh rice and fries on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For authentic Persian flavor, use ground lamb or a beef-lamb mix.
  • Add a pinch of saffron to the rice water for extra aroma and richness.
  • This dish reheats well — flavors intensify overnight.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/persian-koofteh-kebab-in-tomato-sauce-with-golden-kateh-rice/