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Vegan Meatball stew

Middle Eastern Vegan Meatball Stew

5 from 1 vote
Dive into a veganized Middle Eastern classic: Kabab Hindi meets Dawood Basha. Savor tofu-based vegan meatballs in a rich, spiced tomato stew.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Author: Waseem Hijazi | Plant-Based Arab
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

For The Meatless Kabab

  • 1 block - 350g extra firm tofu, pressed and drained
  • 1 tsp seven spices
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cardamom
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 bunch parsley - stems included
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 tbsp ground chia seeds + 6 tbsp water
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For The Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 medium onions - small dice
  • 4 garlic cloves - finely minced
  • 3 medium tomatoes - peeled and small dice (or 400ml canned diced tomatoes)
  • 1 can - 680ml tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses - optional

Spices

  • 1 tbsp seven spices
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For The Vegetables

  • 3 small potatoes - peeled and small dice
  • 2 medium carrots - peeled and small dice
  • 1 large zucchini - small dice
  • 2 green peppers - cut into rings

Instructions

Preparing The Tofu Kabab

  • Drain & press the tofu under a heavy bowl of fruit / books – or using a tofu press – for 15 minutes. Pat dry to remove excess liquid.
  • Make the chia eggs in the meantime. Whisk the ground chia seeds with water in a bowl to combine. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
  • Into a food processor, break apart the block of tofu into large chunks, and add them along with the spices & parsley. Pulse a few times, then blend for a minute to combine.
  • Remove the blades. Add in the flour, chia eggs, and oil. Mix with your hands – almost like kneading dough. Remove into a large bowl and form the Kabab.
  • Using a handful of the mixture, squeeze with your hand a few times, then roll into a finger- size oval shape. Repeat until finished (about 12 pieces). Set aside for later.

Making The Sauce

  • Sauté the onions with oil in a pot for 5 minutes until translucent. Add in the minced garlic to cook for a minute. Stir in the spices to infuse with flavours.
  • Cook the carrots and potatoes for 5 minutes to soften. Stir in the zucchini and tomatoes to combine.
  • Add the tomato sauce and pomegranate molasses (if using). Bring to simmer over medium low heat for about 5 minutes.

Layering To Cook

  • Preheat the oven to 400F (or 205C). Empty the saucy tomato mixture into a 13x9 casserole dish.
  • Place the green pepper rings on top. Stuff two tofu Kababs inside each.
  • Cook for 30 minutes on middle rack, until browned and the green pepper have softened.Serve over a bed of rice and/or warm pita.
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