Soft, home-style tefteli simmer in a light tomato sour cream sauce that stays smooth, gentle, and deeply comforting. Rice keeps the meatballs tender, and the sauce settles into something rich enough to spoon over potatoes, rice, or bread.
Tefteli (Meatballs in Tomato Sour Cream Sauce)
Ingredients
- 500 g ground meat
- 100 g uncooked rice
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- black pepper to taste
- 5 g butter
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 360 ml water
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rice in salted water until just tender, then cool slightly.
- Mix the ground meat, rice, onion, egg, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Form into meatballs.
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs lightly on all sides.
- Add enough hot water to come halfway up the meatballs, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Whisk the sour cream, flour, tomato paste, and remaining water until smooth.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are fully cooked.
Cook’s Note: Cook the rice just until tender and let it cool before mixing so the meatballs stay soft instead of dense. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer once the sour cream goes in so it thickens smoothly without splitting.
Why This Recipe Works
Rice holds moisture in the meatballs, so they stay tender as they simmer. Tomato paste and sour cream build a sauce that feels rich and balanced without turning heavy.
Best Served With
mashed potatoes, rice, or fresh bread
Pairing Suggestion
Serve with Lime Pickled Medley or a crisp salad for contrast.
Leftover Strategy
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. Use leftovers over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
Make It Yours
Add garlic or paprika for a warmer finish. Use a mix of beef and pork for a softer, richer meatball. Swap some of the water for broth for deeper flavor. Add dill at the end for a fresher finish.
Kitchen Connections
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