Kufta from minced pork

4 servings

40 minutes

Pork meatballs are a vibrant dish of Armenian cuisine that combines aromatic spices and rich meat flavor. The history of meatballs traces back to ancient Middle Eastern traditions where meatballs symbolized hospitality. In this recipe, pork mince is combined with herbs, ginger, and garlic to create a unique aroma. Corn flour adds a light crispy texture while sweet chili sauce with caramelized sugar adds a spicy note. Meatballs are served with rice and fresh salad, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. They are perfect for cozy family lunches and festive dinners, impressing with their combination of tenderness and richness. This dish showcases the richness of Armenian gastronomy where each spice plays its role in transforming simple ingredients into an exquisite culinary masterpiece.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 459.9
• Proteins: 23.9g
• Fats: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 28.9g

Ingredients

• Minced pork: 500 g
• Shallots: 1 pc
• Garlic: 3 clove
• Fresh ginger: 1 pc
• Fish sauce: 2 tbsp
• Fresh mint: 2 tbsp
• Chopped cilantro (coriander): 2 tbsp
• Chopped chives: 2 tbsp
• Corn flour: 1 tbsp
• Brown sugar: 2 tbsp
• Sweet chili sauce: 4 tbsp

Cooking steps

1. Peel and finely chop the shallot and garlic.

   Required ingredients:

   • Shallots: 1 piece
   • Garlic: 3 cloves

2. Peel a piece of ginger about 2 cm in size and grate it.

   Required ingredients:

   • Fresh ginger: 1 piece

3. Finely chop the mint, cilantro, and chives.

   Required ingredients:

   • Fresh mint: 2 tablespoons
   • Chopped cilantro (coriander): 2 tablespoons
   • Chopped chives: 2 tablespoons

4. In a large salad bowl, mix the ground pork with herbs, onion, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce.

   Required ingredients:

   • Minced pork: 500 g
   • Shallots: 1 piece
   • Garlic: 3 cloves
   • Fresh ginger: 1 piece
   • Fish sauce: 2 tablespoons

5. Mix well and form 12 balls (if the minced meat is more than 500 g, there should be more balls as well).

6. Place the balls in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to let the fat set the meat again.

7. Take the balls out and roll them in corn flour.

   Required ingredients:

   • Corn flour: 1 tablespoon

8. Heat the grill pan and place a sheet of foil on top (Jamie Oliver's trick to prevent burning).

9. Place the balls on a heated skillet covered with foil, drizzle with sweet chili sauce, and sprinkle with sugar.

   Required ingredients:

   • Sweet chili sauce: 4 tablespoons
   • Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons

10. Fry for about 8-10 minutes until the balls are cooked and the sauce caramelizes.

11. Sprinkle with green onions and serve with rice and salad.

    Required ingredients:

    • Chopped chives: 2 tablespoons