This classic Iraqi recipe was taught to me by my mother-in-law on one of her visits. Even though it is a meat dish, it is a light dish with a blend of Middle-Eastern flavors and a refreshing taste from the parsley and tumeric. Even better, it is easy to make and a fabulous crowd-pleaser. Traditionally this is served with white rice because the “soup” of this dish is so delicious soaked into the rice. This recipe is a regular part of our recipe rotation week to week.
Recipe reprinted with permission from “Cook, Pray, Eat Kosher: The Essential Kosher Cookbook for the Jewish Soul,” by Mia Adler-Ozair, Feldheim, November 2015
Iraqi Meatballs with Green Peas
Servings
8 Servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 bunch parsley approximately 1 cup, rinse well, finely chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons salt or to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh black pepper or to taste
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
- 3 cups water
- 1-1/2 teaspoons dry chicken soup mix
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper or to taste
- Tumeric to color light yellow
- 1/8 teaspoon curry
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 large bag frozen green peas
Instructions
- Combine ingredients for meatballs in large bowl and set aside to rest for 15 minutes.
- Form meatballs.
- Except for peas, combine sauce ingredients, bring to boil; add meatballs and cook covered for 25 minutes on medium heat, stirring gently once or twice during this time.
- Add frozen peas to pot.
- Continue to cook 20 to 30 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with white rice.
My mother in law makes this often and sometimes puts tomato paste in the sauce. Everyone has their variation. Some people sear the meatballs before adding to sauce too.
Good question, I am not sure, they look like tomatoes but there is none in the recipe.
We enjoyed this, but what are the little pieces that look like tomato in the photo?
Really good made it with quinoa. Used some of the liquid from the meatballs to cook the quinoa. I only used half the amount of meatball liquid and half water for the quinoa because its a very powerful flavor.
I. MUST. MAKE. THIS!!!!!