Meatballs in a Turkish Tomato and Pomegranate Sauce

Prep Time

Cook Time

25M

Ingredients

A BRUCE AIDELLS SIGNATURE RECIPE

Although Aidells Caramelized Onion Meatballs are not flavored with Turkish spices, when they are cooked in the tomato-pomegranate sauce they take on the taste of Turkish cooking. You could also skewer the meatballs and grill them (see cook's notes) and then serve the tomato-pomegranate sauce on the side.

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INGREDIENTS

2 packages

1 pinch cinnamon

1 1/2 tablespoon pomegranate molasses (also called pomegranate syrup)

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

1/2 cup chopped green onions

salt and freshly ground black pepper

hot sauce (such as Tabasco, optional)

freshly cooked rice or bulgur wheat

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup finely chopped white onion

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

1 28 oz. can whole tomatoes, juices reserved, tomatoes chopped

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, or 2 teaspoons dried

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

Heat the olive oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and fry until lightly browned, turning occasionally about 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meatballs to a plate.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion and garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their juices, mint, lemon juice, cumin, allspice, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the pomegranate molasses and add back the meatballs. Adjust the heat so the mixture simmers, cover the pan and simmer until the sauce thickens and develops a rich flavor, adding a little water if the sauce is dry, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the cilantro and green onions. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and a little Tabasco if you like. Serve 3 or 4 meatballs per serving over bulgur or rice.