Best Armenian Kofta With Mashed Potato Pine Nuts And Raisins Recipes
ARMENIAN KUFTA
This would be categorized as a 'stuffed' meatball! It's a recipe that cousin Debbie, sister Diane and I worked on this winter, trying to replicate our grandmother's kufta. It's been many many years since we've had this, and I think we have it down pretty well. It can be made as a side dish or a main dish soup, by adding pasta and vegetables to the broth when you add the meatballs.
Provided by manushag
Categories < 4 Hours
Time 1h15m
Yield 20 meatballs, 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- For the outside shell, mix 1-1/2 lbs. ground lamb, bulghur, onion, salt, pepper and parsley together with 1 cup of water. Knead until it becomes cohesive and dough like.
- Set aside and brown 1 lb lamb with large chopped onion until meat is cooked. Add parsley, salt and pepper and cool.
- In the meantime, roll outside shell mixture into balls the size of a small egg. Use a bowl of ice water to keep mixture from sticking to your hands. Shape into cups by inserting your thumb into ball and rotating in your opposite hand until you form a thin shell. Keep wetting your hands in the ice water to keep shell from cracking.
- Fill shell with cooked meat mixture, about 1 tablespoon, close shell, wetting hands with ice water, and seal opening.
- Set aside on a sheet pan, continue to roll balls. Place tray in refrigerator to chill.
- Boil 2 quarts of broth, add pasta and vegetables. Add meatballs and cook them 10 minutes or until they rise to the top.
- Sometimes served with yogurt on the side.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 471.8, Fat 34, SaturatedFat 14.7, Cholesterol 104, Sodium 1574.7, Carbohydrate 14.5, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 1.8, Protein 26.4
ARMENIAN KOFTA WITH MASHED POTATO, PINE NUTS, AND RAISINS
Yield serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Peel and boil the potato in salted water until tender, then drain. Put it back in the pan, mash it, and dry it out thoroughly over medium heat.
- Fry the pine nuts in a drop of oil, shaking the pan to brown them lightly all over.
- Mix the ground meat with the mashed potato and add the egg, salt, and pepper. Knead vigorously by hand until well mixed and smooth. Work the pine nuts and raisins into the meat-and-potato mixture.
- Shape into walnut-sized balls and flatten them slightly. Dip them in flour to coat them lightly all over, and deep-fry in medium-hot oil, turning them over once, until crisp and brown.
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What are Armenian Koftas?
Armenian koftas are essentially meatballs that are made with ground beef, lamb, or a combination of the two. They are flavored with various spices such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, and then grilled or fried to perfection. Koftas can be served as an appetizer, main course, or in soup.Ingredients for Armenian Koftas
To make Armenian koftas, one needs 500g of minced meat (beef or lamb), minced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon.Mashed Potato, Pine Nuts and Raisins
The mashed potato is an excellent accompaniment to the Armenian koftas. It is a simple recipe that involves boiling potatoes until they are tender, mashing them, and then adding butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste. Pine nuts and raisins add a unique twist to the mashed potatoes, giving them a subtle sweetness and a crunchy texture.Ingredients for Mashed Potato, Pine Nuts and Raisins
To make mashed potato with pine nuts and raisins, you will need 1 kg of potatoes, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of pine nuts, 1/2 cup of raisins, salt, and black pepper.Directions to make Mashed Potato, Pine Nuts and Raisins
1. Peel and chop the potatoes into small chunks. 2. Boil them in a large pot of salted water until they are soft enough to mash. 3. Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a mixing bowl. 4. Mash them with a potato masher or fork, adding milk and butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. 5. In a small pan, roast the pine nuts until light brown and fragrant, then add the raisins and continue roasting until they plump up. 6. Add the pine nuts and raisins to the mashed potatoes and combine well. 7. Season with salt and black pepper.Serving the Dish
To serve Armenian kofta with mashed potato, pine nuts, and raisins, one can either place the koftas on top of the mashed potatoes or serve them on the side. A fresh salad, yogurt dressing, or pickles can be served as a side dish, enhancing the flavors of the main meal.Conclusion
Armenian kofta with mashed potato, pine nuts, and raisins is a hearty and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you are cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this dish is a sure shot hit that will leave everyone satisfied and asking for more. With its rich blend of spices and ingredients, you can imagine why this dish is one of the most cherished meals in Armenian cuisine.Armenian kofta with mashed potato, pine nuts, and raisins is a rich and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. This traditional Armenian recipe combines tasty meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes, sweet raisins, and crunchy pine nuts. However, getting the perfect balance of flavors and texture can be tricky. Here are some valuable tips to help you make the best Armenian kofta with mashed potato, pine nuts, and raisins recipe:
Tips for Preparing the Meatballs
The meatballs are the most important element of the dish. Here are some tips for preparing them:
Use High-Quality Meat
The quality of the meat you use will determine the taste and texture of the meatballs. Choose high-quality ground meat, such as beef, lamb, or pork, that is fatty enough to make the meatballs juicy.
Use the Right Seasonings
Armenian kofta is traditionally seasoned with garlic, onions, parsley, and spices such as cumin, coriander, and allspice. These ingredients give the meatballs their distinctive flavor. Be sure to add enough seasoning to ensure that the meatballs are flavorful.
Don't Overmix the Meat
When mixing the meat with the seasonings, make sure not to overdo it. Overmixing can result in tough and dry meatballs. Mix the ingredients just enough to combine them.
Make Uniform-Sized Meatballs
For even cooking, make sure that all the meatballs are the same size. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape the meatballs. The size you choose will depend on your personal preference.
Tips for Making the Mashed Potatoes
The mashed potatoes are an essential element of this dish. Here are some tips for making a creamy and delicious mashed potato:
Don't Overcook the Potatoes
Overcooking the potatoes can result in a soggy and watery mash. Boil the potatoes until they are just tender enough to mash. Drain the water and let the potatoes dry for a few minutes before mashing them.
Use the Right Ratio of Milk and Butter
For a smooth and creamy mash, use the right ratio of milk, butter, and potatoes. A general rule of thumb is 1/4 cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of butter per pound of potatoes. However, you can adjust the ratio to suit your taste preferences.
Season to Taste
Seasoning the mash is essential to give it a delicious flavor. Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add additional herbs such as chives, parsley, or thyme for added flavor.
Tips for Adding the Pine Nuts and Raisins
The pine nuts and raisins provide a delicious nutty and sweet contrast to the meatballs and mashed potatoes. Here are some tips for adding them:
Toasting the Pine Nuts
Toasting the pine nuts enhances their flavor and makes them crunchier. Heat a dry frying pan over medium heat and add the pine nuts. Shake the pan frequently to toast them evenly. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
Soaking the Raisins
Soaking the raisins in hot water before adding them will make them plumper and juicier. Drain the hot water and pat them dry before adding them to the dish.
Add at the Right Time
Add the pine nuts and raisins to the dish just before serving. This will ensure that they retain their texture and flavor. Sprinkle them over the meatballs and mashed potato or mix them in gently.
Tips for Serving Armenian Kofta with Mashed Potato, Pine Nuts, and Raisins
The way you present and serve the dish is just as important as how you prepare it. Here are some tips for serving it:
Use a Serving Dish
Arrange the meatballs and mashed potatoes on a large serving dish. Sprinkle the pine nuts and raisins on top. You can also garnish with additional parsley or other herbs.
Serve Hot
Armenian kofta with mashed potato, pine nuts, and raisins is best served hot. Keep the dish warm until ready to serve by placing it in a preheated oven (around 300° F) for about 10-15 minutes.
Accompany with a Salad
Armenian kofta with mashed potato, pine nuts, and raisins is a hearty and rich dish. Serve it with a fresh salad or a light side dish to balance the flavors.
Conclusion
Armenian kofta with mashed potato, pine nuts, and raisins is a delicious and satisfying dish that requires some effort and attention to detail. Follow these valuable tips to create a perfectly balanced and flavorful meal that will impress your family and friends.