Kuzah bil Roz
Kuzah bil Roz, meaning 'meatballs with rice', is a comforting and flavorful Iraqi dish. It features tender, spiced meatballs simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, served alongside fluffy steamed rice. It's a staple in many Iraqi homes, appreciated for its simple yet delicious preparation.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Ground lamb or beef
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp Allspice
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive oil or vegetable oil(for sautéing)
- 3 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 can (400g) Diced tomatoes
- 2 cups Water or beef broth
- 2 cups Rice(for serving)
- 1 tbsp Butter or oil(for rice)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, coriander, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
💡 Tip: Using a mix of lamb and beef can add depth of flavor. - 2
Form the meatballs: Roll the mixture into small, uniform meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.
- 3
Sear the meatballs: Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, searing them on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside. Do not cook them through.
- 4
Make the sauce: In the same pot, add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until it darkens slightly. Add the diced tomatoes and stir. Pour in the water or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 5
Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer. Return the seared meatballs to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender, and the sauce has thickened.
💡 Tip: The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld. - 6
Cook the rice: While the meatballs are simmering, prepare the rice according to your preferred method (steaming or boiling). Fluff with butter or oil before serving.
- 7
Serve: Ladle the Kuzah bil Roz over the fluffy rice. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For extra tender meatballs, use a combination of ground lamb and beef.
- ✓Adjust the amount of tomato paste and diced tomatoes to achieve your desired sauce consistency and flavor.
- ✓If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water or broth.
- ✓This dish can be made ahead of time; the flavors often improve overnight.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add chopped potatoes or carrots to the sauce for a heartier stew.
- A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can be added to the meatball mixture for a different aromatic profile.
- Serve with a side of yogurt or a simple cucumber and tomato salad.