Kebab Karaz (Lamb Meatballs with Cherries)
Kebab Karaz, a specialty of Aleppo, is a unique and flavorful dish featuring tender lamb meatballs simmered in a sweet and tart cherry sauce, often finished with toasted pine nuts and fresh mint. It beautifully balances the richness of the lamb with the bright, fruity notes of the cherries, showcasing the sophisticated flavors of Syrian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Ground lamb
- 1 large Onion(finely minced)
- 2 tsp Allspice
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 500 g Sour cherries(pitted, fresh or frozen)
- 250 ml Water
- 2 tbsp Pomegranate molasses
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Olive oil(for searing)
- 3.5 tbsp Pine nuts(toasted, for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Fresh mint(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, minced onion, allspice, salt, and pepper. Knead with your hands until well mixed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
💡 Tip: Chilling the mixture makes it easier to form into meatballs. - 2
While the lamb mixture chills, prepare the cherry sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, water, pomegranate molasses, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries are soft. Mash some of the cherries to release their juices.
- 3
Remove the lamb mixture from the refrigerator. Form into small meatballs, about 2 cm (¾ inch) in diameter.
💡 Tip: To test seasoning, fry a small amount of the mixture and taste. - 4
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, brown the meatballs on all sides until golden. This should take about 2 minutes per batch.
- 5
Add the browned meatballs and any accumulated juices to the simmering cherry sauce. Stir gently to coat. Cover and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 6
Serve the Kebab Karaz hot, garnished with toasted pine nuts and chopped fresh mint. It is traditionally served with flatbread.
💡 Tip: Can also be served with rice pilaf.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure cherries are not overly sweet; adjust lemon juice or pomegranate molasses if needed.
- ✓For a richer sauce, a small amount of butter can be added.
- ✓If using frozen cherries, ensure they are fully thawed before simmering.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes use ground beef or a mix of lamb and beef.
- A pinch of ground cardamom can be added to the meatball mixture for extra aroma.
- For a spicier kick, a small amount of chili flakes can be added to the sauce.