Masala Meatballs in Tomato Curry Sauce
Juicy masala meatballs simmered in a rich tomato curry sauce. A comforting, flavor-packed dish that pairs well with rice, naan, or roti.
Servings: 4
Calories: 120kcal
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 400 g ground beef or chicken 14 oz
- 70 g onion finely chopped (1 small onion)
- 8 g garlic minced (2 cloves)
- 5 g grated ginger 1 teaspoon
- 2.5 g garam masala 1 teaspoon
- 1.25 g cumin powder ½ teaspoon
- 1.25 g chili powder ½ teaspoon
- 15 g breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons
- 1 large egg
- Salt to taste
For the Sauce
- 15 ml oil
- 70 g onion chopped (1 small onion)
- 8 g garlic minced (2 cloves)
- 2.5 g curry powder 1 teaspoon
- 400 g canned tomatoes 14 oz
- 100 ml coconut milk or cream ⅓ cup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish as needed
Instructions
- Mix all meatball ingredients, form into 12 small balls.
- Heat oil in a pan, sear meatballs until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add onion and garlic. Cook 3–4 min until soft.
- Add curry powder, stir 30 sec, then pour in tomatoes and coconut milk.
- Simmer 5 min, then return meatballs to the pan.
- Cook covered for 10–12 min until sauce thickens and meatballs are cooked through.
- Garnish with coriander and serve with rice, naan, or spaghetti.
Notes
Ingredient swaps
- Use chicken, beef, or lamb mince depending on preference.
- Coconut milk can be replaced with fresh cream for a richer sauce.
- Breadcrumbs can be swapped with soaked bread or oat flour.
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture; it keeps them tender.
- Lightly oil your hands while shaping the meatballs to prevent sticking.
- Brown the meatballs well before adding them to the sauce for better flavor.
- Meatballs can be shaped and refrigerated up to 24 hours ahead.
- The cooked dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water if needed.
- Serve with steamed rice, naan, or roti.
- Add a simple salad or raita on the side for balance.
- Sprinkle fresh coriander just before serving.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Stir in spinach at the end for added greens.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Nutrition
Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 183mg | Potassium: 404mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 378IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 2mg