Kibbeh cherry (or “geraz” in Arabic) is a classic Syrian dish. It’s made up of a kibbeh roll, essentially a meat jelly roll, braised in a tamarind-laced sweet and tangy sauce. The roll is complicated to make, using ground beef and a mixture of beef and rice ground together, called kibbeh dough. I strip away the layers (literally!) and braise simple meatballs in the flavorful cherry sauce. Simple enough for a weeknight, though special enough for Shabbat, these meatballs are a family favorite. Like most saucy Syrian dishes, this is best served over a bed of rice to soak up the sauce.
Note: This dish can be prepared in advance: The meatballs can be made a day ahead of time and stored on a covered plate in the refrigerator. The meatballs can also be frozen raw; there’s no need to defrost them before adding to the sauce. Alternatively, the finished dish can be frozen. Reheat, covered, in a 375°F oven or in a saucepan over low heat.
Tamarind Tips
Tamarind may seem out of reach, but it’s easier to find than you may think!
- If you have access to a kosher supermarket, look for “prepared tamarind” near the tahini. This tamarind is exactly what my grandma makes: pulp, sugar and lemon juice simmered and strained. It’s ready to go right out of the jar and is the consistency of pancake batter.
- Pure tamarind is easy to find on Amazon or in the Thai section of your supermarket. Check for a small jar near the rice noodles — it’s the sweet and sour flavor in pad Thai. The consistency is thinner than prepared tamarind and it doesn’t have added sugar or lemon. To use this type of tamarind, add an additional 2 Tbsp of lemon juice and 2 Tbsp sugar.
- No tamarind? No problem! Swap in ¼ cup prune butter (lekvar) + 2 Tbsp sugar + juice of 1 lemon (and please don’t tell my grandma!).
Syrian Meatballs in Cherry Sauce
Meatballs braised in a sweet-and-sour cherry sauce for a simple take on Syrian kibbeh geraz.
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- 1 Tbsp neutral oil
- 1 small onion
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- ½ cup prepared tamarind (see above for swaps)
- 2 cans sweet cherries in juice (or sub 16 oz frozen cherries)
For the meatballs:
- 1½ lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground allspice
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the oil. Dice the onion and add it to the pan. Cook on a low heat for 10 minutes.
- While the onions are sautéing, prepare the meatballs. Combine the beef, salt and allspice in a medium bowl. Gently form walnut-size meatballs and set aside.
- Once the onions are translucent, add the lemon juice, sugar, salt, allspice, tamarind and cherries (with liquid) to the pot. Stir to dissolve sugar. Raise the heat to medium and let the sauce come to a simmer. Carefully drop meatballs into the sauce. Cover the pot halfway and simmer for 1½ hours. Stir twice throughout cooking, lowering heat if needed.
- After 1½ hours, the meatballs will be deeply browned and glossy, and the sauce will have reduced and thickened. Serve over rice.
Notes
This dish can be prepared in advance. The meatballs can be made a day ahead of time and stored on a covered plate in the refrigerator. The meatballs can also be frozen raw; there’s no need to defrost them before adding to the sauce. Alternatively, the finished dish can be frozen. Reheat, covered, in a 375°F oven or in a saucepan over low heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-pot
- Cuisine: Sephardi
Can you use chicken or turkey for the meatballs?
Sure! The texture will be different, but it will work.
I love so much about the Jewish people. Now to have the opportunity to savor recipes in this part of their culture is quite an honor for me. To watch their struggles, & then be a witness to God’s wisdom in their rewards is incredible. My heart cries with them as they are continuously put down, harassed, & punished from other nations petty jealousies, ignorance, & unprovoked rage. It tears me apart. Why cannot people open their eyes to the examples the Jews set in worshiping God 1st, along with their pure desire to help & enable others to gain their same life privileges. Privileges gained only as rewards from God for their loyal, consistent, humble praise & duty from following His Written Word. There is a valid reason they are referred to as The Chosen Ones as they are the silent warriors & examples in which all humanity should look towards for living in harmony with love, humility & a connectedness in belonging to something much greater than ourselves.
Thank you we really are a very gentle people, but forced to be alert and defend ourselves
Beautiful