Meatballs with Noodles Tossed in Yogurt

Meatballs with Noodles Tossed in Yogurt Recipe from Afghanistan and Tajikistan

Region / culture: Afghanistan, Tajikistan | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Meatballs with Noodles Tossed in Yogurt is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines juicy meatballs with creamy yogurt and fresh noodles. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Middle Eastern flavors and cooking techniques. Meatballs are a popular dish in many cultures, and the addition of yogurt and noodles adds a unique twist to this classic dish.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) ground beef
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 pinch cayenne pepper
salt to taste
black pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 spanish onion, finely chopped
6 large ripe plum tomatoes, cored, peeled, and chopped
4 sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped

Noodles

1 lb (454 g) fresh fine egg noodles from Asian markets
1.5 cups plain yogurt
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
0.5 cup fresh mint, chopped

How to prepare

Meatballs

In a bowl, combine the beef, cinnamon, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, salt, pepper, and half of the garlic.
Mix thoroughly using clean hands, then shape the meat into 0.75 inch meatballs.
Set the meatballs aside.
In a large, flameproof casserole, heat the oil, add the onion, and cook over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until it is very soft.
Turn the heat to medium-high and add the meatballs.
Cook the meatballs, turning them often, until they lose their pink color.
Add the plum tomatoes and remaining garlic.
Cover the pan, reduce the heat, and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
Add the sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and cook the mixture for 5 minutes over low heat, stirring once or twice.

Noodles

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil.
Add the noodles and cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until they are tender but still have some bite.
Drain the noodles and transfer them to a bowl.
Stir in the yogurt, garlic, and salt.
Toss the noodles thoroughly and transfer to 6 wide bowls.
Spoon the meatballs around the edges of each bowl of noodles, add the mint to the center, and serve immediately.

Variations

You can use ground lamb or chicken instead of beef for a different flavor.
Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the meatball mixture for added freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mix the meatball mixture thoroughly to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed.

- Cooking the meatballs in a casserole dish helps to infuse them with the flavors of the onions and tomatoes.

- Be sure to cook the noodles until they are al dente, as they will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the yogurt mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Meatballs with Noodles Tossed in Yogurt with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Cooking the meatballs in a casserole dish helps to keep them moist and flavorful.

- Tossing the noodles with yogurt adds a creamy texture to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a tangier flavor.

- Substitute dried mint for fresh mint if fresh mint is not available.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs and yogurt mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Cook the noodles just before serving for the best texture.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the meatballs around the edges of the bowl of noodles and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing cucumber mint cooler for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 450 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 22g per serving

Saturated Fat: 8g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 35g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yogurt) and gluten (noodles).

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Meatballs with Noodles Tossed in Yogurt is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines juicy meatballs with creamy yogurt and fresh noodles. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends. Enjoy the Middle Eastern flavors and unique twist on a classic dish with this delicious recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Meatballs with Noodles Tossed in Yogurt. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. She had just returned from a trip to Greece, and she was eager to share with me the delicious dishes she had learned to make during her travels.

As Maria busily chopped vegetables and simmered fragrant spices on the stove, she suddenly paused and reached for a worn and stained recipe card tucked into the pages of an old cookbook. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she handed me the card and said, "You must try these meatballs with noodles tossed in yogurt. They are a family favorite, and I think you will love them."

Intrigued by the exotic combination of ingredients listed on the card, I eagerly set to work preparing the dish under Maria's expert guidance. The meatballs were a blend of ground beef, onions, garlic, and a medley of herbs and spices. I rolled the mixture into small, bite-sized balls and browned them to perfection in a hot skillet.

While the meatballs sizzled, Maria showed me how to prepare the noodles. She boiled them until they were al dente, then tossed them in a creamy yogurt sauce flavored with fresh dill, lemon juice, and a hint of garlic. The combination of tender meatballs and tangy noodles was a revelation to my taste buds, and I knew that this recipe would soon become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have added my own twist by incorporating different herbs and spices, experimenting with various types of meat for the meatballs, and even trying out different types of noodles.

One of my favorite memories of making this dish was the time I prepared it for my grandchildren. They had never tried anything like it before, and they were hesitant at first to taste the unusual combination of flavors. But as soon as they took their first bite, their eyes lit up with joy and they eagerly asked for seconds.

As I watched my grandchildren happily slurping up the noodles and eagerly devouring the tender meatballs, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that I had passed on this delicious recipe to the next generation. It was a moment of connection and joy that I will always cherish.

This recipe for Meatballs with Noodles Tossed in Yogurt has become a beloved tradition in our family, a dish that we always turn to when we want to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy a comforting meal together. It is a testament to the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

And so, as I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day in Maria's kitchen so many years ago, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe and the many happy moments it has brought to me and my loved ones. It is a reminder that the simple act of sharing a meal can create bonds that last a lifetime, and that the magic of cooking lies not just in the flavors and aromas, but in the love and care that goes into every dish we prepare.