✓ Tested in Faten's kitchen
Tiny lamb meatballs — no bigger than a sparrow's head, hence the name — simmered in a simple tomato sauce spiced with cinnamon and allspice. The Bekaa children's dish that adults refuse to stop eating.
Also known as ras asfoor · ras 3asfour · ras asfur
⏱ 60 min🍽 4 servings📍 Bekaa Valley
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The story
The name ras asfour ("sparrow head") tells you everything: these meatballs are made small enough that a child can eat them whole without cutting. Across the Bekaa, mothers roll these in batches and freeze them — a weeknight solution for families working the valley's agricultural land. The tomato sauce is intentionally simple; the complexity comes from the quality of the lamb and the careful sizing of the balls, which must all be identical or they will not cook evenly. Lebanese-Americans in Dearborn and Michigan serve these at large family gatherings as an appetizer, skewered on toothpicks — a diaspora reinvention that has made its way back to Bekaa catering menus.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ras Asfour — Tiny Bekaa Meatballs in Tomato Sauce?
Tiny lamb meatballs — no bigger than a sparrow's head, hence the name — simmered in a simple tomato sauce spiced with cinnamon and allspice. The Bekaa children's dish that adults refuse to stop eating.
Where is Ras Asfour — Tiny Bekaa Meatballs in Tomato Sauce from?
Ras Asfour — Tiny Bekaa Meatballs in Tomato Sauce comes from Bekaa Valley. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Ras Asfour — Tiny Bekaa Meatballs in Tomato Sauce vegetarian?
No — as written, Ras Asfour — Tiny Bekaa Meatballs in Tomato Sauce includes meat, fish, or meat-based stock, so it is not vegetarian. See the ingredient list for the specific ingredients used.
What can I use instead of seven-spice blend in Ras Asfour — Tiny Bekaa Meatballs in Tomato Sauce?
The seven-spice blend called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Ras Asfour — Tiny Bekaa Meatballs in Tomato Sauce its traditional character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Ras Asfour — Tiny Bekaa Meatballs in Tomato Sauce?
In a Levantine mains spread, Ras Asfour — Tiny Bekaa Meatballs in Tomato Sauce is typically served with rice or warm flatbread, a simple salad such as fattoush or tabbouleh, and pickles or yogurt on the side.
Can I make Ras Asfour — Tiny Bekaa Meatballs in Tomato Sauce ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Yes — leftovers keep well stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat gently (or bring to room temperature for cold dishes) and taste to adjust seasoning before serving. Dishes with fresh herbs or dressing are freshest the day they are made.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step audio narration (text-to-speech) guides you hands-free. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
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