There’s nothing like a warm, hearty meal to bring the family together during Ramadan, and for Day 19 of our A Bowl A Day series, I’m sharing one of my favorite comforting dishes – Kofta Meatballs in Tomato Sauce. This dish is a hit in our house, and I know it will become a favorite in yours too.
I grew up with kofta – tender meatballs cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce, often served over rice or with some crusty bread. What makes this version extra special is the combination of warm spices like cinnamon, cumin, and coriander, which perfectly complement the savory lamb. The meatballs are simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce that’s just bursting with flavor. The whole family loves it, and even my kids can’t get enough of this comforting meal.

Ingredients:

For the Kofta:

• 500g minced lamb (or beef if preferred)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp allspice
• ½ tsp ground pepper
• ½ tsp cumin
• 70g parsley (reserve a little for garnishing)

For the Sauce:

• 25g olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 crushed garlic cloves
• 3 tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 50g tomato purée, diluted with 400ml warm water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp coriander

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Kofta:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced lamb, chopped onion, spices, and fresh parsley (save a little parsley for garnishing).
• Mix everything thoroughly until well-blended.
• Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 4 cm in diameter. You should get around 15 meatballs.

2. Make the Sauce:

• Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened and golden.
• Add the crushed garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  Stir in the cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon, and cook for another 2 minutes to release the spices’ aromas.
• Add the chopped tomatoes, red bell pepper, and sliced carrots. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
• Pour in the diluted tomato purée, stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil.

3. Simmer the Meatballs:

• Once the sauce is boiling, gently add the kofta meatballs into the pot. Make sure they are well coated with the sauce.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and the sauce to thicken.

• Once the meatballs are cooked, serve them hot over a bed of simple vermicelli rice for the perfect comfort meal.
• You can also serve with whole wheat pasta or mashed potatoes if you’re looking for alternatives to rice.
• Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley, and if you like, a dollop of yogurt on top for extra creaminess!

Why I Love This Dish:

There’s something so comforting about the combination of spiced meatballs and tomato sauce. I love how easy it is to make, and how adaptable it is. You can serve it with rice, pasta, or mash – a great reminder that there are plenty of healthy alternatives to the usual rice-based meals we tend to go for. Plus, the spices give this dish that extra depth of flavor that makes it irresistible.
This Kofta Meatballs in Tomato Sauce is perfect for Futoor or Suhour during Ramadan. It’s filling, nourishing, and packed with flavor, making it a great choice to keep your energy levels up for the day ahead.