Sephardic Meatballs with Tomato Sauce

These Sephardic meatballs with tomato sauce are a flavorful dish that combines tender meatballs with a rich, aromatic sauce. The addition of dried apricots brings a subtle sweetness to the savory mix. Perfect for a special dinner or a comforting family meal!

Ingredients:

2 lbs lean ground beef
1/4 cup raw sushi rice
1 can tomato paste
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp Baharat or allspice
2 cups water
1 tsp salt
1 cup dried apricots
1 cup sugar (for caramel)
Instructions:

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sushi rice, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of Baharat (or allspice), and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine, then shape the mixture into meatballs.
Make the Caramel: In a large pot over low heat, place 1 cup of sugar. Allow it to melt and caramelize, stirring occasionally. Once the sugar has turned into a golden caramel, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Cook the Meatballs: Place the shaped meatballs over the cooled caramel in the pot. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining tomato paste, water, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of Baharat (or allspice), and 1 teaspoon of salt. Pour this sauce over the meatballs.
Simmer the Dish: Add the dried apricots to the pot, then cover and cook the meatballs over low heat for about 30 minutes, until they are fully cooked and tender.
Serve: Serve the meatballs with rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy this comforting, aromatic dish!
These Sephardic meatballs are a great balance of savory, sweet, and spice. With the hint of Baharat and the sweetness from the dried apricots, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.