Use Freshly Ground Meat for The BEST Azerbaijani Meatballs Recipe!

Soak rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.

Finely chop onion, parsley, and cilantro.

In a bowl, combine ground beef, soaked rice, chopped onion, parsley, cilantro, salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika.

Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove the meatballs and set aside.

In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.

Add water, lemon juice, and bay leaves, stirring to combine.

Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

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