Stuffed potatoes with kofta cooked in tomato sauce

Delicious stuffed potato recipe with kofta and tomato sauce

I propose a recipe that combines the rich flavors of meat with the fine texture of potatoes, resulting in a savory and comforting dish: stuffed potatoes with kofta, boiled in a fragrant tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family meal or a dinner with friends, being not only tasty but also full of personality.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Recipe history

Kofta is a traditional preparation that has its roots in the cuisines of several cultures, being popular in different forms and variations. Usually, kofta refers to meatballs, which are often spiced with aromatic seasonings and served with various side dishes. Today, I will teach you how to combine them with potatoes for a dish that will delight your senses and turn an ordinary meal into a feast.

Ingredients for kofta:

- 500 g ground beef
- 2 green onions (or one small onion)
- 1 bunch of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon instant soup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch of hot paprika

Ingredients for potatoes:

- 5 large potatoes

Ingredients for sauce:

- 1 small onion
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 stick of celery (diced)
- Salt, pepper, and a dash of cumin

Ingredients for coating the potatoes:

- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 3 tablespoons flour for coating the potatoes
- Salt and pepper
- 2 cups oil for frying

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the kofta: Start by finely chopping the onion, garlic, and parsley. Add all the kofta ingredients (ground meat, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, instant soup, cinnamon, and paprika) into a large bowl. Mix all the ingredients well until evenly combined.

2. Forming the meatballs: Use wet hands to form small balls from the meat mixture. Wrap each ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Preparing the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and boil them in salted water for 10 minutes. The goal is to soften them, not to cook them completely. After boiling, let them cool slightly, then cut them lengthwise so you can fill their insides.

4. Filling the potatoes: Remove the kofta balls from the refrigerator and fill each potato with the meat mixture. You can use a spoon or your fingers to ensure the filling is well packed.

5. Coating the potatoes: In a bowl, beat the eggs with a tablespoon of flour and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roll each stuffed potato in the 3 tablespoons of flour, then in the egg mixture.

6. Frying the potatoes: In a deep skillet, heat the oil. Fry the stuffed potatoes, two or three at a time, until they are golden on all sides. Remove them to a paper towel to drain excess oil.

7. Preparing the sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add the chopped garlic, tomato paste, diced celery, salt, pepper, and cumin. Pour in 2 cups of hot water and let the sauce simmer.

8. Finalizing the dish: Once the sauce starts to boil, add the stuffed potatoes and any remaining meatballs. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has reduced.

Serving and suggestions

Serve the stuffed potatoes with kofta warm, alongside a fresh salad or Greek yogurt for a refreshing contrast. This recipe pairs perfectly with a refreshing drink, such as mint tea or lemonade.

Variations and useful tips

- You can experiment with different types of meat for the kofta, such as lamb or chicken, and add other spices like ground coriander or mint.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, you can bake the potatoes instead of frying them, and for a more intense flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the tomato sauce.
- Make sure to choose potatoes of uniform size for even cooking.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can form the kofta balls and fill the potatoes a day ahead, keeping them in the refrigerator. Cook them a few hours before serving.

2. What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Red or yellow potatoes are the most suitable due to their creamy texture.

3. Can I use canned tomato paste?
Yes, canned tomato paste is an excellent choice and will add a rich flavor to the sauce.

This stuffed potato recipe with kofta and tomato sauce is not just a delicious meal but also a great way to gather the family around the table. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: For kofta: 500g minced beef, 2 green onions, chopped parsley, 1 clove of garlic, salt, pepper, 1/2 tablespoon instant soup, 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon, a pinch of hot paprika, 5 potatoes. For the sauce: 1 small onion, about 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 clove of garlic, 1 stalk of celery, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin. For coating the potatoes: 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon of flour, and 3 more tablespoons for coating the potatoes, salt, pepper, 2 cups of oil for frying.

 Tags:  potatoes kofta soso of tomatoes