Daoud Basha | Lebanese Meatballs in Tomato Pomegranate Molasses Sauce

Step 1

Sear the Meatballs: If you want to wash the ground meat, then give it enough time to drain completely else chances of them breaking is high. I don't wash the ground meat.

Step 2

Mix all the meatballs ingredients and make 18 to 20 equal-sized balls.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a saucepan and brown all of the meatballs stirring carefully. You can do in batches so it is easy to stir and sear evenly.

Step 4

Remove the meatballs and keep aside.

Step 5

Prepare the fried Potato chunks: Add more olive oil to the same pan

Step 6

Pan-fry the potato chunks until done

Step 7

Remove and keep aside

Step 8

Prepare the Tomato Pomegranate Molasses Sauce: Purée 2 large tomatoes and keep ready for sauce or feel free to use as finely chopped tomatoes

Step 9

Heat more olive oil in the same pan

Step 10

Saute the finely chopped onions and garlic

Step 11

Add the spice powders along with some salt and saute for few minutes

Step 12

Stir in the pureed tomatoes and tomato paste and let it boil

Step 13

Stir in the pomegranate molasses

Step 14

Place all the meatballs carefully in a single layer

Step 15

Pour enough water to partially submerge the meatballs

Step 16

Cover and cook on low flame for 20 to 30 mins till the meat is cooked and the sauce starts to thicken

Step 17

Do stir the stew in between

Step 18

Add the fried potatoes and bell peppers

Step 19

Taste and adjust the spices and salt

Step 20

Cover and cook for another 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens

Step 21

Garnish with parsley leaves

Step 22

Serve hot with white rice