Kofta Challow (Afghan Meatballs in Tomato Sauce with Rice)
Local name: کوفته چلو
In short: Spiced beef meatballs simmered in a thick tomato and onion sauce, served over fluffy basmati rice with fresh coriander. It takes about 1 h 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Total
- 1 h 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 560 kcal
Kofta challow is a family dinner staple in Afghan homes: tender meatballs seasoned with onion, coriander and cumin, cooked in a thick tomato sauce and served over plain basmati rice. The sauce is simple and gently spiced, and the meatballs are small so they cook through quickly. It is comfort food for children and adults alike, and leftovers taste even better the next day.
Instructions
- Mix the meatball ingredients by hand for 1 minute until sticky. Chill for 15 minutes, then shape into about 24 balls, each 3 cm (1 1/4 in) wide.
- For the sauce, heat the oil in a wide pan over medium heat and fry the onion for 8 minutes until golden. Add the garlic and tomato paste and stir for 1 minute.
- Add the tomatoes, turmeric and salt and cook for 8 minutes until the tomatoes break down. Pour in the water and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Slide the meatballs into the sauce in one layer. Do not stir at first, so they set. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, turning them gently once, until cooked through (71°C/160°F).
- Uncover and simmer for 5 minutes more if the sauce is thin, until it coats the back of a spoon.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over the rice, sprinkled with fresh coriander.
Tips
- Squeezing the grated onion keeps the mixture from getting too wet and falling apart. Wet your hands when rolling so the meat does not stick.
- Ground lamb or a half-and-half mix with beef also works well. For a thicker sauce, add 1 tablespoon more tomato paste.
Questions and answers
Can I freeze kofta challow?
Yes. Freeze the meatballs in their sauce for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
What do you serve with it?
Plain basmati rice is the classic base. Add plain yogurt, a tomato and cucumber salad and warm flatbread.
Is it spicy?
No. The chili flakes add only a little warmth. Add more, or serve a green chutney on the side, for a hotter plate.
How long does it take to make Kofta Challow (Afghan Meatballs in Tomato Sauce with Rice)?
About 1 h 15 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kofta Challow (Afghan Meatballs in Tomato Sauce with Rice)?
About 560 kcal per serving, with 30 g of protein, 60 g of carbohydrates and 22 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 560 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 60 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 1250 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
