Portuguese · intermediate
Portuguese Spiced Beef Meatballs In Tomato Cilantro Gravy
Tender halal beef meatballs seasoned with garlic and cumin, simmered in a rich tomato sauce finished with fresh chopped cilantro.
- PREP TIME
- 20 min
- COOK TIME
- 30 min
- SERVES
- 4
Good things
start in the kitchen.
LET’S MAKE IT
Step by step
- 01
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, half of the minced garlic, half of the paprika, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix gently until combined.
- 02
Shape the beef mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs.
- 03
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and sear for 5 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides. Transfer meatballs to a plate.
- 04
Add remaining olive oil, onion, and remaining garlic to the skillet. Sauté over medium heat for 4 minutes until translucent.
- 05
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and remaining paprika. Bring the sauce to a low simmer and season lightly with salt.
- 06
Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover with a lid, and simmer gently over low heat for 18 minutes until cooked through. Stir in fresh cilantro before serving.
A LITTLE KITCHEN KNOW-HOW
Gentle Simmer Braising
Browning meat first creates deep savory notes, while finishing it low and slow inside tomato gravy locks in internal moisture.
Notes from the kitchen
- Do not overwork the meatball mixture to ensure a tender, non-chewy texture.
- Cilantro adds an authentic southern Portuguese herbal finish; stir it in right at the end to keep the flavor bright.
- Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Portuguese; regional versions vary.
- Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.