KOFTE WITH TOMATO SAUCE ( Salcali kofte )

YOU NEED

• 400 g steak mince
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, diced
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• Plain flour to coat the koftes
• Some oil for frying the koftes

FOR THE SAUCE

• 1 small onion, chopped finely
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• Enough water to cover the koftes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• More parsley for serving

METHOD

First chop the shallot or small onion and the garlic finely. Add to the mince together with cumin powder, salt and pepper. Mix it well by hand or pulse it in a food processor until all mixed together. Then take the pieces of the mixture about a teaspoon at a time and roll each into a small round. Coat each kofte with flour then brown them in the oil in a large frying pan. When the koftes browned transfer them to a plate.

Prepare the sauce in the same frying pan with remaining juices. Add more oil if necessary to fry the onions first, then add the tomato paste some water, parsley, salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to boil and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Now add the koftes into the simmering sauce add more water to cover the koftes. Cover the pan and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle with some more parsley just before serving. Serve with rice and salad. Serves 4.