🇮🇷 Iran · Food
Kufteh Tabrizi
By eatmundo · August 4, 2026
🇮🇷 IRA magnificent, oversized meatball from the city of Tabriz, filled with dried fruits, nuts, and a hard-boiled egg. It is a masterpiece of Persian culinary art.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Boil 100g chickpeas and 100g split peas until tender, then drain and mash slightly.
- 2
Finely grate 150g onions, mix with 500g minced lamb, the legumes, and 100g cooked rice.
- 3
Season with 5g turmeric and 10g salt, kneading the meat mixture vigorously by hand until sticky.
- 4
Take a large handful of the mixture, flatten it, and place a hard-boiled egg and some nuts in the center.
- 5
Form into a large, smooth ball, ensuring there are no cracks, and chill for 30 minutes.
- 6
Prepare a sauce with tomato paste, sautéed onions, and spices in a large pot.
- 7
Gently place the meatball into the simmering sauce and cook covered for 45 minutes on low heat.
- 8
Serve in a deep bowl with plenty of sauce and fresh herbs on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to prevent the meatball from breaking?+
Vigorous kneading of the meat mixture is essential to develop proteins that act as a binder, and keeping it chilled helps firm it up.
What is the traditional filling?+
A hard-boiled egg is the classic center, often accompanied by prunes, walnuts, and caramelized onions.
Can I make these smaller?+
Yes, but the beauty of Kufteh Tabrizi is its massive size; smaller ones are simply 'kufteh' and cook faster.
What herbs should I use?+
A mix of fresh parsley, leeks, savory (marzeh), and tarragon provides the signature aromatic profile.
