Kanda (Central African Pumpkin Seed Meatballs)

Year Of Return

Year Of Return

Kanda (Central African Pumpkin Seed Meatballs)

African Vibes Recipes
Kanda, or Central African Pumpkin Seed Meatballs, is a savory dish where ground pumpkin seeds and beef combine into tender meatballs, simmered in a spiced tomato sauce. Served with steamed rice, it's a comforting meal that blends rich, earthy flavors with a hint of spice. 🍅🍲
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Meatballs:

  • 3 cups pumpkin seeds shelled and lightly toasted
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef
  • 1 small onion peeled and chopped
  • 7 garlic cloves peeled and chopped
  • ½ cup cold water if needed

Sauce:

  • ¼-½ cup palm or peanut oil
  • 1 medium onion peeled and thinly sliced
  • 4 large tomatoes peeled, seeded, and diced
  • 1-2 chili peppers seeds and stems removed, minced
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 small bunch parsley stems removed and roughly chopped
  • Steamed rice for serving

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Using a food processor, grind the pumpkin seeds into a fine powder. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and garlic to the processor. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. If it seems too dry, gradually add up to ½ cup of cold water.
  • Chill the Mixture: Transfer the mixture to the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour to firm up.
  • Cook the Sauce Base: In a large pot, heat the palm or peanut oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to turn golden brown.
  • Add Tomatoes and Chilis: Stir in the diced tomatoes and minced chili peppers. Cover the pot and cook for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften. Pour in 1 ½ cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover.
  • Form the Meatballs: Remove the chilled meat mixture from the refrigerator and shape it into golf ball-sized meatballs.
  • Simmer the Meatballs: Increase the sauce's heat to medium-high and gently place the meatballs into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Finish Cooking: Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook for another 20 minutes, then lower to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Serve: Fold in the chopped parsley just before serving. Serve the meatballs and sauce hot, alongside steamed rice.

Notes

  • 🌶️ Adjust the number of chili peppers to control the spice level.
  • 🍚 These meatballs pair wonderfully with rice, but you can also enjoy them with bread or other grains.
This dish is perfect for those who love exploring African flavors, blending the nuttiness of pumpkin seeds with the heartiness of spiced meatballs!

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 28gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 800mgVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 5mg
Keyword Kanda
Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!

Responses

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Receive our latest updates

Subscribe To Our Newsletter