Curried Meat Balls and Rice

Curried Meat Balls and Rice Recipe from India - Ingredients, Directions, and Tips

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Curried Meat Balls and Rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender meatballs with a rich and spicy curry sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests. The combination of savory meatballs and fragrant curry spices makes this dish a favorite among many.

History

The origins of Curried Meat Balls and Rice can be traced back to Indian cuisine, where curry dishes are a staple. The combination of meatballs and curry sauce is a popular way to enjoy the flavors of curry in a different form. Over time, this dish has been adapted and modified to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

1 medium onion
1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
1 tsp salt
0.13 tsp ground black pepper
1 beaten egg
2 tbsp catsup
1 tsp vinegar
0.33 cup seedless raisins
1 tsp curry powder
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup water
1.5 tbsp flour
3 cups hot cooked rice (cooked with 0.5 tsp curry powder)
Chopped tomato (optional)
Chopped onion (optional)
chutney (optional)

How to prepare

Cut the onion in half. Finely chop one half and slice the remaining half.
Combine the chopped onion with beef, salt, pepper, egg, catsup, and vinegar; mix well.
Shape the mixture into 18 small meatballs.
Brown the meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced onion and cook until tender-crisp.
Stir in the raisins, curry powder, cinnamon, and water into the skillet.
Cover and simmer until the meat is cooked, for 20 to 25 minutes.
Remove the meatballs and keep them warm.
Combine the flour with 0.25 cup of water. Add it to the skillet and cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens.
Serve the meatballs over hot curried rice. Serve with chopped tomato, onions, and chutney, if desired.

Variations

You can use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter version of this dish.
Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the curry sauce for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the meatballs well before adding them to the curry sauce. This will help to seal in the juices and prevent them from falling apart.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder and cinnamon to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less depending on how spicy you like your curry.

- Serve the meatballs over hot cooked rice to soak up the delicious curry sauce.

- Garnish with chopped tomato, onion, and chutney for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Curried Meat Balls and Rice with a side of naan bread or roti for a complete meal.

- Pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meatballs before adding them to the curry sauce helps to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Simmering the meatballs in the curry sauce allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and aromatic sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground lamb or pork instead of beef for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute coconut milk for water in the curry sauce for a creamier texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook.

- The curry sauce can also be made in advance and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Curried Meat Balls and Rice in a large serving dish garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of curry powder. - Arrange the meatballs on a bed of hot cooked rice for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing mango lassi for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the meatballs and curry sauce in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

35g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat (flour).

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Curried Meat Balls and Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. The combination of tender meatballs and fragrant curry sauce makes this dish a favorite among many. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, this dish is a nutritious choice for a meal. Serve with a side of naan bread or roti and enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of this dish.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a breezy summer afternoon, and I had decided to visit my dear friend Margaret for tea. As soon as I stepped into her cozy kitchen, the aroma of spices and herbs filled the air, enticing me with their exotic allure.

Margaret greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. She knew that I loved trying out new recipes and experimenting with different flavors. As we sat down to enjoy our tea and catch up on the latest gossip, Margaret casually mentioned that she had come across a delicious recipe for Curried Meat Balls and Rice that she wanted to try out.

Intrigued, I leaned in closer, eager to hear more about this tantalizing dish. Margaret explained that the recipe had been passed down to her from her grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend during her travels to India many years ago. The combination of tender meatballs infused with fragrant spices, paired with fluffy rice cooked to perfection, sounded like a match made in culinary heaven.

I begged Margaret to share the recipe with me, and she happily obliged. As she handed me a tattered old notebook filled with handwritten recipes, I felt a surge of excitement coursing through me. I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special, a culinary treasure waiting to be unearthed.

With eager hands, I poured over the recipe, taking in every detail and instruction with utmost care. The ingredients were simple yet exotic – ground beef, onions, garlic, ginger, curry powder, and a medley of spices that promised to transport me to distant lands with every bite.

The next day, I set out to recreate the recipe in my own kitchen, armed with the knowledge and passion that Margaret had ignited within me. I carefully measured out each ingredient, savored the aroma of the spices as they mingled together in harmony, and shaped the meatballs with loving hands.

As the meatballs sizzled and browned in the pan, releasing their mouthwatering aroma into the air, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me. This was more than just a recipe – it was a journey, a connection to the past and a promise of delicious memories yet to be made.

When the meatballs were cooked to perfection, I plated them on a bed of fluffy rice, garnishing them with fresh cilantro and a sprinkling of toasted almonds. The colors and textures melded together in a beautiful symphony of flavors, a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

As I took my first bite of the Curried Meat Balls and Rice, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. The flavors were familiar yet exotic, comforting yet exciting – a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy that danced on my taste buds with every mouthful.

I knew in that moment that this recipe would become a staple in my culinary repertoire, a dish that I would proudly pass down to future generations. And as I sat back, savoring the last bite of my meal, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous encounter that had led me to this culinary gem.

So here I am, sharing the story of how I learned to make Curried Meat Balls and Rice with you, my dear grandchild. May this recipe bring you as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought me, and may it serve as a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, our present, and our future. Bon appétit!