Meatballs with Rice

Meatballs are very popular in my house. Its such a comforting meal to eat, especially with warm bread and pickles. This version has a twist as it is cooked with rice and the chickpea flour adds lightness as it is gluten free. 

Recipe:

1/2 kilo of minced lamb or beef (lean)
1 cup chickpea flour
1/2 cup rice
2 onions grated finely
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 potatoes peeled and cut into cubes
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Salt
Pepper
1 tablespoon turmeric
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Pinch of saffron
1 tablespoon of olive oil
2 cups water
1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped finely

Method:

In a large bowl, mix the meat, onion, chickpea flour, rice, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, cinnamon, salt, pepper and mix well adding water to make a bread like dough. Shape into balls (these should be quite large), gently brown the meat in a frying pan until slightly golden on all sides. Set aside. Fry the tomato paste in olive oil, adding saffron and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, lemon juice and salt to taste. Put the meatballs in a large pot and pour the tomato paste over the meatballs adding the water and potatoes. Leave to cook for 30 minutes, making sure there is liquid still in the pot. Garnish with parsley.