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: 1/2 lb. boneless lean lamb, diced; 2 cups water; 1/2 cup dried lentils; Salt; 1/8 tsp. ground cloves; 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom; 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon; 1/8 tsp. saffron threads; 4 hard cooked eggs, chopped; 6 prunes, chopped; 1 tbsp. raisins, chopped; 1 egg, slightly beaten; 1 tbsp. sliced almonds; 3 tbsp. vegetable oil; 1-1/2 tbsp. butter; 2 onions, finely chopped; 1 cup stock; broth; 1/3 cup wine vinegar; 3 lemons; 2/3 cup sugar; 1 cup reserved cooking liquid

Servings: persons

1/2 lb. boneless lean lamb, diced
2 cups water
1/2 cup dried lentils
Salt
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. saffron threads
4 hard cooked eggs, chopped
6 prunes, chopped
1 tbsp. raisins, chopped
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 tbsp. sliced almonds
3 tbsp. vegetable oil
1-1/2 tbsp. butter
2 onions, finely chopped
1 cup stock
broth
1/3 cup wine vinegar
3 lemons
2/3 cup sugar
1 cup reserved cooking liquid

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.

853

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

No additional tips available.

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

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

You need 22 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/2 lb. boneless lean lamb, diced, 2 cups water, 1/2 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.

Iranian Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Hodu Kabab)

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