Herb Meatballs (Koofteh Sabzi)

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, grated and squeezed dry
• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup yellow split peas, cooked and drained
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup dried barberries, rinsed
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed and steeped in 2 tablespoons hot water
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste