Browned Basmati Rice with Koftas
Number of servings : 4 Prep time: 1 hour Cooking time: 20 minutes Type of meal : | Main Courses
Number of servings : 4
Prep time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Type of meal : | Main Courses | Main Courses
Special diet :
Ingredients
For the koftas:
1 large slice of white bread crust removed
5 oz (150 mL) skimmed milk
1 lb 2 oz (500 g) lean minced lamb
1-2 green chilies, deseeded and chopped
1 tbsp (15 mL) roughly chopped fresh coriander
1 tsp (5 mL) garam masala
2-3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1 tsp (5 mL) chopped ginger
1/2 tbsp (7 mL) chopped fresh mint
Salt
4-1/2 oz (125 g) onions, roughly chopped
1 tbsp (15 mL) unsalted butter
For the rice:
8 oz (225 g) basmati rice
1 tbsp (15 mL) sunflower oil, plus oil for greasing
1 tbsp (15 mL) sugar
4 green cardamom pods, split open
3 in (7.5 cm) cinnamon stick, broken in half
4 cloves
Directions
To make the koftas, soak the bread in the milk for 2 minutes, then squeeze out the milk. Place the bread in a food processor; add the lamb, chili, coriander, garam masala, garlic, ginger, mint, and salt to taste, then process to a smooth mixture. Add the onions and pulse for 1 or 2 seconds, so they are mixed in but not puréed. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover and chill for 30 minutes, or overnight, in an airtight container.
Meanwhile, rinse the rice; then place it in a bowl, cover with cold water, and leave it to soak for 30 minutes. Heat the grill to high, line the grill pan with foil, and brush it with oil. Divide the lamb kofta mixture into two portions. Lightly grease your palms and make 12 equal-sized balls out of each portion. Place them on the grill pan 1/2 in (1 cm) apart and grill for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the butter. Brush the koftas with half the butter and continue grilling for a further 2-3 minutes until they have browned. Turn the koftas and brush with the remaining butter.
Grill for 3-4 minutes until browned. Wrap them in a piece of foil and keep them warm. Drain the rice and set it aside. Put a kettle on to boil. Heat the oil in a large heavy saucepan or flameproof casserole over medium heat. Sprinkle in the sugar and cook for 1-2 minutes until it has caramelized.
Add the cardamom, cinnamon, and rice and fry them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously. Then pour in 2 cups (500 mL) of boiling water and add salt to taste. As soon as the water returns to a boil, add the meatballs in a single layer, plus any cooking juices, then reduce the heat to very low.
Cover the pan with a piece of foil and then the lid. Cook for 10 minutes without lifting the lid or foil. Take the pan off the heat and let it stand undisturbed for 10 minutes. Transfer the rice and koftas to a serving dish. Garnish with cherry tomatoes and coriander. Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt and a green salad.
Makes 4 servings.
Nutritional information:
Imported on 2011-01-20 16:41:26 — Original ID:2050
