Life often presents us with beautiful choices, and sometimes, the most enriching experiences are found right at home. Recently, with the boys on their spring break – a time I fondly remember used to actually coincide with spring weather! – our family made a deliberate decision. Instead of navigating the bustling crowds of theme parks or enduring the expenses of distant travel, we opted for a delightful staycation. This wasn’t merely a cost-saving measure; for a family like ours, with a five-acre “compound” that includes two energetic dogs, ten clucking chickens, and a vibrant pond teeming with 150 koi fish, leaving home means entrusting our mini-ecosystem to responsible caregivers. The logistical and financial commitment of securing reliable house and pet sitters often rivals the cost of the trip itself.
Moreover, our minds are currently buzzing with grander travel aspirations. We’re excitedly toying with the idea of an immersive trip to Southeast Asia, envisioning adventures across Hong Kong, Laos, and Cambodia, perhaps followed by a quintessential American summer road trip to marvel at the ancient giants of Redwood National Park in California. These ambitious plans necessitate careful budgeting and strategic timing, making a peaceful staycation the perfect prelude.
Adding to our packed schedule, Scott and I have a series of exciting professional engagements on the horizon, all before the summer truly sets in. We’re looking forward to immersing ourselves in the world of fine wines at the Pebble Beach Wine Festival and connecting with culinary professionals at the IACP Conference in San Francisco. Later in the season, we’ll be heading to BlogHer Food in Austin, then to BlogHer in Chicago, and finally, crossing the pond for Food Blogger Connect in London. These events are fantastic opportunities for networking, learning, and staying abreast of the latest trends in the culinary and digital media spaces, but they also mean a fair bit of travel. Given this upcoming flurry of activity, embracing a week of quiet domesticity felt like a well-deserved luxury.
So, last week, home we were, and it proved to be a glorious week dedicated to the joys of the kitchen and the warmth of hospitality. We opened our doors to friends and family, transforming our home into a vibrant hub of culinary exploration and shared meals. We indulged in a spectacular feast of grilled lobsters, their shells perfectly charred and meat tender. Another evening featured steamed mussels, swimming in a fragrant broth, ideal for dipping crusty bread. Skirt steak sizzled on the grill, offering a robust and satisfying main course. And, of course, there were the meatballs – a versatile dish that always brings comfort and delight. These weren’t all served at once, mind you, but spread across several delightful evenings, each meal a testament to the pleasure of cooking for loved ones.
Adding to the merriment was Scott’s birthday party potluck, a lively gathering filled with laughter, good company, and an incredible array of dishes brought by our generous guests. The kitchen was in constant motion, a happy blur of chopping, stirring, and plating. By last Friday, recycle pick-up day, our overflowing bin told a vivid story of our culinary adventures. I confess to a slight blush of embarrassment as I wrestled with the sheer volume of empty bottles – a delightful testament to a week well-spent, but perhaps a little too revealing for the neighbors! I cleverly split the bounty into two piles, one for immediate pick-up and the other discreetly tucked away for the following week, preserving a semblance of moderation.
Among the many delicious dishes we prepared for our guests, one truly stood out as a highlight: an exquisite Arabian dish known as Kofta, or more specifically, Kofta Meatballs with Sweet and Sour Cherry Sauce. This recipe hails from the acclaimed cookbook “Modern Flavors of Arabia” by Suzanne Husseini, a highly regarded and popular cooking show personality across the Middle East. Her recipes are renowned for their authentic flavors and approachable techniques, and this kofta recipe is no exception. The dish masterfully blends savory and sweet notes, creating an unforgettable taste experience. The rich, succulent lamb meatballs found a perfect partner in the vibrant, complex sweet and sour cherry sauce. While lamb lends an unparalleled depth of flavor, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; you can easily substitute ground pork, beef, chicken, or turkey based on your preference or dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to any home cook’s repertoire.
Crafting the sweet and sour cherry sauce is a sensory delight in itself. I started by rehydrating plump dried cherries, allowing them to plump up and infuse with the bright zest of lemon and the golden sweetness of honey. For an extra layer of sophisticated flavor, and a little secret indulgence, I may or may not have added a modest splash of Brandy to the mixture – it truly elevates the sauce to another level! This aromatic sauce then simmers gently on the stovetop, quietly thickening and intensifying its flavors while the savory meatballs cook to perfection, either baked in the oven or pan-fried until beautifully browned. The contrasting textures and complementary tastes of the tender meatballs and the luscious sauce create a truly harmonious dish.
These Kofta Meatballs with Sweet and Sour Cherry Sauce are more than just a meal; they are an experience, making them absolutely fabulous party food. Their manageable size and delectable flavor profile make them ideal for entertaining. For an extra touch of elegance and convenience, I love to skewer each succulent meatball with a cute decorative pick, transforming them into sophisticated, bite-sized appetizers that are easy for guests to enjoy. Whether served as an elegant starter or a centerpiece dish, this Arabian-inspired recipe is sure to impress your guests and add a unique flair to any gathering. It’s a dish that embodies the spirit of shared meals and the joy of culinary discovery, perfect for any occasion from casual potlucks to more formal dinner parties.
Kofta Meatballs with Sweet and Sour Cherry Sauce Recipe Video
Kofta Meatballs with Sweet and Sour Cherry Sauce
Feel free to substitute the lamb with ground meat of your choice for a delicious variation.
Pin Recipe
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Servings
8 – 10
Ingredients
For the Cherry Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 shallot, chopped (or 2 tablespoons diced red onion)
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 3 teaspoons honey
- 1 splash of Brandy (optional)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh mint
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1/4 cup sparkling water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
To make the Cherry Sauce:
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and shallot and sauté until tender. Add the cherries, honey, lemon juice, water, and cinnamon and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and allow to simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh mint.
To make the Meatballs:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, sparkling water, garlic, ground cloves, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix lightly to incorporate all ingredients thoroughly. Form the mixture into small, uniform meatballs.
- In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Carefully add the meatballs to the pan and fry, turning them often to ensure they brown evenly on all sides, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. If your pan is too small, cook the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. After browning all the meatballs, transfer them to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to cook through completely. Drizzle generously with the prepared cherry sauce just before serving.
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For more culinary inspiration and delightful recipes, my new cookbook, “Healthy Asian Favorites,” is available for purchase now wherever books are sold!
You can also pick up a copy on Amazon for a special price of $13.98. Discover fresh, flavorful dishes that bring the vibrant tastes of Asia to your kitchen, all crafted with health-conscious living in mind. Happy cooking!