My kids love these Tefteli – Chicken Meatballs in a Cream Sauce and I make them for dinner so often that I could now probably make them in my sleep! My daughter loves getting involved in rolling the meatballs and I don’t mind because that is probably the hardest part of this whole recipe. I add cooked rice to my meatball mixture which is a traditional Russian kitchen secret and the creamy, garlic sauce will have everyone licking their plates clean.
To make Russian Meatballs – Tefteli, you will need the following ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix 1–1¼ pounds of ground chicken, 1 cup cooked rice, 1 large egg, 1 grated onion, 1 pressed garlic clove, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper until well combined.
Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-1¼-inch thick balls.
Dip the meatballs in a bowl filled with about ½ cup of flour, to coat and shake off any excess.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoon of oil and add the prepared meatballs. Saute for about 4 minutes on one side, then turn over, cover the skillet with a lid and cook for another 3 minutes until golden brown on all over and cooked through the center. Set aside on a plate.
Prepare the sauce in the same pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and then whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour. Continue mixing until combined and golden.
Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and whisk until the liquid begins to thicken.
Add ¼ cup of sour cream and stir to combine.
Season with ½ teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of sea salt and ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper, or more, to taste. Bring to a simmer and continuously stir until the sauce has thickened enough to lightly coat a meatball.
Once thick enough, add the meatballs back into the skillet and turn into the sauce to coat. Cook the meatballs until heated through then remove from the heat.
Garnish with sprinkles of fresh parsley or dill and serve with mashed potatoes or noodles, if you wish!
Go ahead and give our Tefteli - Chicken Meatballs in a Cream Sauce a try. Once you’ve attempted our recipe, take some pictures and post them online. Use our hashtag #cookmerecipes online for us to see and share the fun!
They needed a more creamy sauce..and BADLY because they are dry without it.
