Authentic Lebanese Spiced Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce
Experience the rich flavors of Lebanon with this Authentic Spiced Meatballs recipe. These juicy, tender meatballs are infused with fragrant spices and herbs, creating a delightful combination that's perfect for sharing with family and friends. The dish is elevated by a creamy yogurt sauce that adds a tangy richness, making it a comforting meal on any occasion. Serve them with warm pita bread or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
8
Servings
275
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
butter
3 tablespoons (divided)
ground beef
1 lb (uncooked)
egg
1 (beaten)
bread
2 slices (soaked in 1/2 cup milk)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
dry breadcrumbs
1 cup (for coating)
yogurt
2 cups (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten egg, soaked bread (with milk), sautéed onion, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
3
Shape the mixture into 1-1/4 inch meatballs. Roll each meatball in dry breadcrumbs until fully coated.
4
In the same skillet, heat the remaining butter over medium-low heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they are evenly browned on all sides, about 10-15 minutes.
5
Once browned, carefully drain off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat from the skillet. Spoon the yogurt over and around the meatballs, ensuring they are gently coated.
6
Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the yogurt sauce for 20 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
7
Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with additional yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
19g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Authentic Lebanese Spiced Meatballs recipe?
It is a traditional Lebanese dish featuring tender ground beef meatballs infused with fragrant herbs and spices, served in a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce.
What kind of meat is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of uncooked ground beef.
How many servings does this meatball recipe provide?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 275 calories.
How should I prepare the onion for the meatballs?
Chop 1/2 cup of onion and sauté it in 1 tablespoon of butter for 4-5 minutes until translucent before adding it to the meat mixture.
Why is bread soaked in milk used in the meatball mixture?
Two slices of bread soaked in 1/2 cup of milk are used to ensure the meatballs stay moist and tender during the cooking process.
What is the recommended size for the meatballs?
The mixture should be shaped into meatballs approximately 1-1/4 inches in diameter.
Do the meatballs need a coating?
Yes, each meatball should be rolled in dry breadcrumbs until fully coated before cooking.
How are the meatballs cooked?
The meatballs are browned in a skillet with butter over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, then simmered in yogurt sauce.
What type of sauce accompanies these meatballs?
The dish is finished with a creamy yogurt sauce that adds a tangy richness to the spiced meat.
How much fat is in one serving of this dish?
There are 16 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does each serving provide?
Each serving contains 15 grams of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 19 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How long should the meatballs simmer in the yogurt?
The meatballs should simmer in the yogurt sauce for 20 minutes on low heat.
Should the skillet be covered while simmering?
Yes, covering the skillet helps the flavors meld together while the meatballs cook in the sauce.
What should I do with the fat in the skillet after browning?
You should drain off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat from the skillet before adding the yogurt.
How much butter is used in the entire recipe?
A total of 3 tablespoons of butter is used, divided between sautéing the onions and browning the meatballs.
Can I garnish the dish before serving?
Yes, you can garnish the hot meatballs with additional yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
What are the suggested side dishes for these meatballs?
It is recommended to serve them with warm pita bread or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious yogurt sauce.
What seasoning is used in the meat mixture?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, or according to your taste.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients: onion, butter, ground beef, egg, bread, milk, salt, pepper, and yogurt.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly comfort food recipe perfect for sharing.
What is the texture of the meatballs?
The meatballs are juicy and tender on the inside with a slight texture from the breadcrumb coating.
Can I use different types of yogurt?
While the recipe specifies yogurt for serving and simmering, plain whole milk yogurt is typically used for the best richness.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
The onions take about 4 to 5 minutes over medium heat to become translucent.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Meat and Lebanese cuisine.
Is the ground beef cooked before mixing?
No, the 1 lb of ground beef should be uncooked when mixed with the other ingredients.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires 1 beaten egg to help bind the meatball mixture.
Can I adjust the spice levels?
Yes, the salt and pepper can be adjusted to your personal taste preferences.
Is this dish considered an authentic Middle Eastern meal?
Yes, it is an authentic Lebanese recipe that utilizes traditional Middle Eastern flavor profiles like spiced meat and yogurt.