Teresa's Recipes
Persian Gondi (Meatball Soup)
Gondi, a traditional Persian dish, is a heartwarming meatball soup that embodies the rich culinary heritage of Iran. This delightful recipe is perfect for family gatherings and special occasions, featuring tender, spiced meatballs made from ground chicken and chickpea flour, immersed in a fragrant broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices. The freshness of cilantro and the tanginess of lemon juice elevate the dish, creating a comforting bowl of goodness that warms both body and soul. Each spoonful captures the essence of Persian culture, inviting you to celebrate flavors that have been cherished for generations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, chopped (plus extra for garnish) Fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed Lemon juice
- 6 cups Chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground turmeric
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
- 1 cup Chickpea flour
- 1 pound Ground chicken
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Soup
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 22g
- Protein: 24g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chickpea flour, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- With wet hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Set aside on a plate.
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Carefully drop the meatballs into the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and let the meatballs cook for about 30 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and tender.
- Once cooked, stir in the lemon juice and chopped fresh cilantro, allowing the flavors to meld for a couple of minutes.
- Ladle the Gondi soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips
- For an added depth of flavor, you can roast the spices in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the meat mixture.
- Feel free to incorporate other herbs like parsley or mint for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with warm pita bread or over a bed of rice for a more filling meal.