Iranian Sweet and Sour Meatballs Hodu Kabab Recipe

Name: Iranian Sweet and Sour Meatballs Hodu Kabab
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 lb boneless lean lamb, diced; 2 cups water; ½ cup dried lentils; salt; ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves; ½ teaspoon ground cardamom; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ⅛ teaspoon saffron thread; 4 hardboiled egg, chopped; 6 prunes, chopped; 1 tablespoon raisins, chopped; 1 egg, slightly beaten; 1 tablespoon sliced almonds; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 4 ½ teaspoons butter; 2 onions, finely chopped; 1 cup stock or 1 cup broth; ⅓ cup wine vinegar; 3 lemons, juice of; ⅔ cup sugar; 1 cup reserved juices

Servings: persons

12 lb boneless lean lamb, diced
2 cups water
½ cup dried lentils
salt
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon saffron thread
4 hardboiled egg, chopped
6 prunes, chopped
1 tablespoon raisins, chopped
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon sliced almonds
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 ½ teaspoons butter
2 onions, finely chopped
1 cup stock or 1 cup broth
⅓ cup wine vinegar
3 lemons, juice of
⅔ cup sugar
1 cup reserved juices

1
In a large saucepan, combine lamb, water, lentils, 1/2 teaspoon salt, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and saffron.
2
Simmer 1 hour or until lamb and lentils are tender.
3
Drain, RESERVING cooking liquid.
4
In blender, process cooked lamb mixture until minced.
5
In a large bowl, combined minced lamb mixture, hard cooked eggs, prunes, raisin, whole egg and almonds.
6
Shape mixture into balls.
7
Heat oil in a large skillet.
8
Add meatballs; cook until browned.
9
FOR THE SAUCE: Melt butter in a medium saucepan.
10
Add onions; saute until transparent.
11
Stir in stock or broth, vinegar, lemon juice, sugar and 1 cup reserved cooking liquid.
12
Boil until slightly reduced.
13
Season with salt.
14
Add cooked meatballs; simmer in sauce 5 minutes.
15
Spoon into a shallow serving bowl.
16
Best of International Cooking.

4548

kcal

Calories

316

Fat

Carbs

361

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 21 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 12 lb boneless lean lamb, diced, 2 cups water, ½ cup dried lentils, salt, and more.

Yes, Iranian Sweet and Sour Meatballs Hodu Kabab falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Iranian Sweet and Sour Meatballs Hodu Kabab

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions