Herbed Lamb & Carrot Meatballs with Crunchy Cauliflower Tabbouleh
Delight in the harmonious flavors of herbed lamb and fresh carrots, expertly rolled into tender meatballs, served alongside a refreshing cauliflower tabbouleh. This vibrant recipe features a nutritious cauliflower base, enriched with juicy tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and zesty lemon. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, these meatballs are not only delicious but also packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a wholesome meal that everyone will enjoy.
4
Servings
413
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower
2 (Grated or in small rice-size pieces)
Ghee or Butter
2 tablespoons (For cooking)
Red Onions or Spring Onions
2 (Finely chopped)
Tomatoes
4 medium (Diced)
Fresh Parsley
3 large handfuls (Finely chopped)
Fresh Mint Leaves
1 large handful (Finely chopped)
Lemon
1 (Juiced with a touch of zest)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
6 tablespoons (For seasoning)
Radishes
4 (Sliced for garnish)
Nuts or Seeds (optional)
1 (Chopped for garnish)
Ground Lamb or Beef (non-lean)
500 grams (Ground)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Onion
1 small (Finely chopped)
Garlic Cloves
3 (Minced)
Sea Salt
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Ground Cumin
1 large pinch
Ground Cinnamon
1 large pinch
Ground Chili or Fresh Chili (optional)
1 pinch
Carrots
3 large (Grated)
Ghee
1 tablespoon (For frying)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the cauliflower tabbouleh. Grate the cauliflower using the coarse side of a hand grater until it resembles rice grains.
2
In a large bowl, combine the grated cauliflower with chopped red onions (or spring onions), diced tomatoes, parsley, mint, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix well to combine and season to taste. Set aside.
3
As an alternative, you can steam the grated cauliflower. Place it in a saucepan with a couple of tablespoons of water and 1 tablespoon of ghee (or butter), cover, and steam over medium heat for 4-6 minutes. Be careful not to overcook. Once done, drain any excess water and transfer the cauliflower to a large serving bowl after it cools. Combine the rest of the tabbouleh ingredients while the cauliflower cools, then season to taste.
4
Next, prepare the meatballs. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb (or beef), grated carrots, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, sea salt, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and optional chili. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
5
To check seasoning, cook a small piece of the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat and adjust as necessary.
6
Roll the meat mixture into small balls, approximately 1.5 teaspoons each. You should aim for about 20 meatballs.
7
In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of ghee over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in batches, cooking them for about 6-7 minutes, or until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked. You can also bake them afterward if you prefer.
8
Serve the herbed meatballs warm on a platter alongside the cauliflower tabbouleh, garnished with sliced radishes and your choice of nuts or seeds.
Nutrition Information
29g
Fat
15g
Carbs
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish consists of herbed lamb and carrot meatballs served with a crunchy cauliflower tabbouleh.
Can I use a different meat for the meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute the ground lamb with non-lean ground beef if preferred.
How do I prepare the cauliflower for the tabbouleh?
Grate the cauliflower using the coarse side of a hand grater until it resembles rice grains.
Is the cauliflower tabbouleh served raw or cooked?
It can be served raw for a crunchy texture or lightly steamed for 4 to 6 minutes for a softer consistency.
How many meatballs does this recipe make?
The recipe makes approximately 20 meatballs, with each ball being about 1.5 teaspoons in size.
What are the nutritional values for one serving?
One serving contains 413 calories, 29g of fat, 15g of carbohydrates, and 24g of protein.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses cauliflower instead of grains and contains no flour.
How long does it take to cook the meatballs?
The meatballs should be fried for about 6 to 7 minutes until they are browned and fully cooked.
What spices are used in the meatballs?
The meatballs are seasoned with sea salt, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and optional chili.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, the instructions indicate that you can bake the meatballs after browning them if you prefer.
What vegetables are hidden in the meatballs?
The meatballs contain three large grated carrots and finely chopped onion.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What herbs are used in the cauliflower tabbouleh?
The tabbouleh uses three large handfuls of fresh parsley and one large handful of fresh mint leaves.
How do I ensure the meatballs are seasoned correctly?
You can cook a small piece of the meat mixture in a pan to taste it and adjust the seasoning before rolling the rest of the balls.
What ingredients are used for the tabbouleh dressing?
The dressing consists of lemon juice, lemon zest, and extra virgin olive oil.
What is the purpose of adding an egg to the meat mixture?
One beaten egg is added to the meat mixture to act as a binder, helping the meatballs hold their shape.
Can I use spring onions instead of red onions?
Yes, the recipe allows for either red onions or spring onions in the tabbouleh.
What should I use to fry the meatballs?
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of ghee to fry the meatballs over medium-high heat.
What can I use for a garnish?
The dish can be garnished with sliced radishes and your choice of chopped nuts or seeds.
How many garlic cloves are in the meatballs?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
Is there a dairy-free option for cooking?
While the recipe suggests ghee or butter, you can use a dairy-free oil if you need to avoid dairy.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe suggests 4 medium diced tomatoes for the tabbouleh.
Is the cauliflower steamed with water?
If choosing the cooked method, steam it with a couple of tablespoons of water and a tablespoon of ghee or butter.
How do I prevent overcooking the cauliflower?
Steam it for only 4 to 6 minutes and drain any excess water immediately.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include lamb, meatballs, cauliflower tabbouleh, healthy recipes, gluten-free, and mediterranean cuisine.
How much olive oil is needed for the tabbouleh?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in total for the tabbouleh seasoning.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 21 ingredients used in this recipe.
Are the nuts and seeds mandatory?
No, the nuts or seeds for garnish are optional.
Should the ground meat be lean?
The recipe specifies using non-lean ground lamb or beef for better flavor and texture.
What tool is best for grating the carrots?
A standard hand grater is sufficient for both the cauliflower and the carrots.