Kofta Chalau (Afghan-Style Meatballs With Saffron, Split Peas, and Sour Plums) | Saveur

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow split peas
• 1 generous pinch of saffron (about 15 threads)
• ¹⁄₂ cup vegetable oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (1½ cups)
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped (1 Tbsp.)
• 1 tbsp. paprika
• 1 tbsp. ground turmeric
• 2 tsp. tomato paste
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. dried mint
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• ¹⁄₂ tsp. ground coriander
• 4 dried sour plums
• 1 medium yellow onion, coarsely chopped (1¼ cups)
• 3 large garlic cloves, coarsely chopped (1 Tbsp. plus 1½ tsp.)
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups coarsely chopped cilantro
• 1 lb. ground beef or lamb
• 1 tbsp. ground coriander
• 2 tsp. ground turmeric
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• ¹⁄₂ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• ¹⁄₂ tsp. cayenne pepper
• Steamed basmati rice or tahdig, for serving