Persian Rice Meatballs (Koofteh Berenji)

Ingredients:

2 Pounds of lean ground beef

2 cups of rice (Basmati or Jasmin) uncooked or half cooked

1 large onion finely chopped

1/2 cup chopped parsley

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

1 tablespoon dill weed

1 fistful of small raisins

1 teaspoon of turmeric

1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder

1.5 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of pepper (white or black)

1/2 can of tiny chopped tomatoes

How to make it:

Step one: Mix all the ingredients and make gulf or tennis ball size meatballs.

Step 2: Make the sauce or liquid:

In a not too deep pot saute' chopped onions in olive oil and add the other half of the chopped tomatoes and add 2 cups of water. Let come to boil

Step 3: Drop the meatball in the liquid in the pot very gently. 

Leave the pot uncover and bring the heat to medium low. Turn the meatballs with a serving spoon so the top can swim in the liquid too and cooks.

(Add some lemon juice if you like this sweet and sour)

Let the meatballs cook for 20-25 minutes then serve in a bowl with some of the juice.

Enjoy!