Kofta Afghani recipe is one of the delightful dishes usually served with basmati rice, a delicious combination called Kofta Challow. “Kofta” in the Persian language means “meatballs” and “challow” means “rice,” hence the name Kofta Challow, or Meatballs with Rice. Kofta is easy to make and full of rich aroma and flavor. You can use ground beef or veal to prepare them. They are cooked by steaming in a tasty tomato sauce. The meatballs are made from scratch, and eggs are used to add moisture and help bind the meat.
Kofta Afghani is usually served with basmati rice. Afghani rice, also known as Afghani Chalaw, is a traditional Afghan dish typically served as a side with a variety of vegetarian or non-vegetarian curries. In any Afghan household, knowing how to make Afghani rice is essential, as it is one of the most frequently served dishes and is prepared almost daily in many families.
It is simple to make. Basmati rice is boiled, mixed with seasonings, and then baked for about thirty minutes. Basmati is an aromatic long grain rice grown in India, Pakistan, and Nepal. The name Basmati comes from the Sanskrit word “Vasmati,” meaning fragrant.
First, make sure to clean the rice by rinsing it several times in a bowl of water. You will know the rice is clean when the water becomes clear instead of cloudy. The key to making it tender and fluffy is soaking it for a few hours. Some people soak it overnight or first thing in the morning and leave it aside until it is time to cook.
Another helpful tip for soft and delicious Afghani rice is to cover the lid with a kitchen towel while baking. Serve it hot with the Kofta Afghani recipe.
Watch a short video on how to make Kofta Challow
What you need to make Kofta (meatballs)
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2 cups coriander, minced
1 green pepper, minced
3 cloves of Garlic, minced
2 onions, minced
1 egg
1/2 kg beef or veal
1 cup Tomato Sauce
1/2 tbsp. Black Pepper (grounded)
1 1/2tbsp. Coriander Powder
1 tbsp. Salt
1/2 cup Oil
Equipment Needed:
Pan/pot
What You Need to make Afghani Rice (Afghani CHALAW)
Basmati rice
Vegetable oil
Cumin seeds
Salt
Black Pepper
Cardamom (Finely Ground)
Equipment Needed:
Kofta Challow (Afghan Meatballs with Rice)
Course: MainCuisine: Afghan4
servings30
minutes40
minutes1
hour10
minutesKofta Afghani recipe is one of the delightful recipes usually served with basmati rice; a delicious combo called kofta challow.
Ingredients
- Afghani rice (Afghani CHALAW)
3 Cups basmati rice
½ Cup Vegetable oil
Species
1 tbsp. Cumin seeds
2 tbsp. salt
1 tbsp. Black Pepper (Finely Ground)
1 tsp Cardamom (Finely Ground)
- Kofta (Meatballs)
2 cups coriander, minced
1 green pepper, minced
3 cloves of Garlic, minced
2 onion, minced
1/2 kg ground beef or veal
1 egg
1/2 tbsp. Black Pepper (grounded)
1 1/2tbsp. Coriander Powder
1 tbsp. Salt
1/2 cup Oil
1 cup Tomato Sauce
Directions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly. Let it soak for a few hours before cooking.
- Soaking improves the texture and flavor of the rice.
- Boil water in a pasta pot with a strainer insert, or use a regular pot and drain the water later using a separate strainer.
- Once the water is boiling, add the soaked rice. Boil for a few minutes until the rice is soft and the grains are long.
- Drain the water from the rice.
- Heat a pan on high heat. Add vegetable oil, the drained rice, salt dissolved in warm water, and spices (cumin seeds, black pepper, and cardamom).
- Mix everything well.
- Using the back of a spatula, make holes in the rice to allow steam to escape.
- Cover the lid with a clean kitchen towel and place it over the pot.
- Cook on low heat for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite curry.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Equipment Needed: Pot with strainer
- Equipment Needed: Pan/pot
- Equipment needed: Electric Food Chopper