My children have an inexplicable fondness for meatballs. Anything crafted into a spherical shape instantly earns their favor, much to my amusement. One dish that holds a special place in our hearts is an authentic Indian meatball curry, a cherished recipe passed down through generations. Fond memories flood back from enjoying this dish as a child, especially during visits to my mother’s home. It became a tradition for her to whip up this delight for my kids whenever we reunited for vacations. In homage to my dear mother and to preserve the essence of these cherished moments, I’ve refrained from altering the recipe. Well, except for one misguided attempt. I once ventured to add spinach to the meat mixture, thinking I could enhance the dish. However, my son quickly discerned the difference, exclaiming, “Mama, this isn’t Nana’s meatball curry!” Caught red-handed, I couldn’t help but chuckle at his astute observation. Since that playful rebuke, I’ve remained faithful to my mother’s recipe, honoring her memory with every batch of meatballs. Though she may no longer be with us, her culinary legacy lives on, bringing joy and comfort to our family table.
Why is this the best curry?
Flavorful Spices: The blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder adds layers of aromatic and spicy flavor to both the meatballs and the curry sauce. Tender Meatballs: The combination of ground beef or lamb with onions, garlic, and ginger creates moist and flavorful meatballs that are perfectly seasoned. Rich and Creamy Sauce: The curry sauce made with diced tomatoes and coconut milk is creamy, rich, and full of flavor, providing the perfect backdrop for the meatballs. Simple and Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels to create a delicious Indian-inspired dish at home. Versatile and Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe by adjusting the spices to your liking or adding vegetables like bell peppers or peas to the curry sauce for added texture and flavor. Great for Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep as it can be made in advance and reheated, allowing the flavors to develop even further.
Step-by-Step: Easy meatball curry
Prepare meatballs
Combine – Add all meatball ingredients in a bowl and mix well to combine.Pro tip – Never over-mix ground meat as the meatballs will become tough Shape – Take about 2 tbsp worth of ground meat mixture. Shape into a ball and set aside.Pro tip – Dip your hands in water or smear some oil on your hands. This will make it easier to work with. Otherwise, the mixture can be sticky
Make the curry
Saute – In a pan, over medium heat, saute onions, garlic, and ginger in oil until the onions are translucent. Add the tomatoes and saute for 2 to 3 minutes more until soft. Spices – Next, add all the powdered spices. Saute until fragrant using a few tablespoons of water to prevent the spices from burning.Pro tip – When cooking spices, you want to cook on low with a little liquid to prevent them from burning. Gravy – Add Greek yogurt and lemon juice. Combine well. Then, pour in the chicken stock /broth. Bring to a boil then cover and simmer for 5 minutes.Pro tip – Make sure there are no lumps when you add the Greek yogurt. And if necessary, use a whisk to make it smooth
Meatballs – Open the pan and gently drop the meatballs, one at a time. Shake the pan so the meatballs sink into the sauce. Cover the pan again and simmer on medium-low for 10 minutes. Garnish – Add the cilantro. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning. If necessary, add a little water for gravy.Pro tip – The consistency of a curry depends on what you going to serve it with. I like a little gravy when I serve it with rice but I prefer it thicker when I serve it with chapati or naan. Enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
Creative ways to serve your Indian meatball curry:
Meatball Curry Sliders: Serve the meatballs in small slider buns with a dollop of yogurt or raita for a fun and tasty appetizer or party snack. Meatball Curry Wraps: Fill warm tortillas with the meatballs, curry sauce, and some rice for a delicious and portable meal. Meatball Curry Pizza: Use the curry sauce as a base for a pizza and top with sliced meatballs, onions, and bell peppers. Bake until the crust is crispy and golden. Meatball Curry Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with the meatballs and curry sauce. Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender. Meatball Curry Pasta: Serve the meatballs and curry sauce over cooked pasta for a hearty and flavorful meal. Meatball Curry Rice Bowls: Serve the meatballs and curry sauce over steamed rice and top with chopped cilantro, sliced almonds, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh and flavorful dish.
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