Description
Persian Pistachio Meatballs are juicy, flavorful beef meatballs mixed with herbs, pistachios, and aromatic spices, simmered in a tangy-sweet pomegranate molasses sauce. Topped with pistachios, pomegranate arils, and fresh mint, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 ½ cups pistachios, unsalted, no shells
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon dried mint
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup tarragon, chopped
- ¼ cup dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
Sauce:
- ⅓ cup pomegranate molasses
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup water
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate arils
- 3 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh mint
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, garlic, pistachios, egg, turmeric, dried mint, paprika, salt, parsley, tarragon, dill, and 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses.
- Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Shape into medium-sized meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
- Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by combining pomegranate molasses, salt, olive oil, and water in a saucepan. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped pistachios, pomegranate arils, and fresh mint.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the pistachios before adding them to the meatball mixture.
- Pomegranate molasses adds tang and sweetness—adjust the amount to your taste.
- You can pan-fry the meatballs instead of baking for a crispier exterior.
- These meatballs pair well with rice, flatbread, or a fresh herb salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: persian pistachio meatballs, persian meatballs, koofteh, beef meatballs with pistachios, pomegranate meatballs