Herbed Middle Eastern Lamb Rissoles
Discover the rich flavors of the Middle East with these Herbed Lamb Rissoles, a delightful twist on standard meatballs. This recipe highlights the fragrant combination of ground lamb with fresh herbs and warm spices, creating a dish that's not only simple to make but also packed with flavor. Perfect for stuffing into pita bread alongside creamy hummus or served with a side of yogurt sauce, these rissoles will elevate any meal. Whether enjoyed warm from the grill or chilled as leftovers, this dish offers versatility and a taste of authentic Lebanese cuisine.
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
onions
4 ounces (chopped)
parsley
2 ounces (fresh, chopped)
fresh mint leaves
8-10 leaves (whole)
ground lamb
1 pound (raw)
bread
1 ounce (crust removed, torn into pieces)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by finely chopping the onions, parsley, and mint leaves using a food processor. Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
2
In the same processor, add the ground lamb, torn bread, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, black pepper, and salt. Pulse the mixture until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and a uniform mixture is formed.
3
With wet hands, divide the mixture into 24 equal portions. Shape each portion gently into rissoles or small patties.
4
Preheat your grill or oven to a medium-high setting. Lightly grease a baking sheet with oil to prevent sticking.
5
Place the rissoles on the oiled baking sheet and grill them for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 160°F).
6
Once cooked, remove the rissoles from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them hot or allow them to cool for a delicious cold snack.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Herbed Middle Eastern Lamb Rissoles?
They are a flavorful twist on standard meatballs featuring ground lamb, fresh herbs like parsley and mint, and warm spices.
What kind of meat is required for this recipe?
This recipe requires one pound of raw ground lamb.
How many rissoles does this recipe make?
The recipe makes 24 equal portions shaped into small patties or rissoles.
What fresh herbs are included in the lamb mixture?
The mixture includes 2 ounces of fresh chopped parsley and 8 to 10 fresh mint leaves.
How do I prepare the onions and herbs?
Finely chop the onions, parsley, and mint leaves using a food processor for approximately 30 seconds until smooth.
Can I use a food processor to mix the meat?
Yes, after chopping the herbs, add the lamb, bread, and spices to the processor and pulse until thoroughly combined.
What spices are used in these rissoles?
The recipe uses ground cinnamon, ground allspice, black pepper, and salt.
How much bread is needed and how is it prepared?
You need 1 ounce of bread with the crusts removed, torn into small pieces.
What temperature should the grill or oven be set to?
The grill or oven should be preheated to a medium-high setting.
How long do the lamb rissoles take to cook?
They take about 5 to 6 minutes to grill, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through.
What is the safe internal temperature for these lamb rissoles?
The internal temperature should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Should I oil the baking sheet?
Yes, lightly grease the baking sheet with oil to prevent the meat from sticking.
Is it better to shape the rissoles with wet hands?
Yes, using wet hands helps to easily divide and shape the mixture into 24 equal portions.
How should I serve these rissoles?
They are excellent stuffed into pita bread with hummus or served alongside a creamy yogurt sauce.
Can I eat these lamb rissoles cold?
Yes, they can be enjoyed hot from the grill or chilled as a delicious cold snack or leftover.
What region of cuisine does this recipe represent?
This recipe represents Middle Eastern flavors, specifically authentic Lebanese cuisine.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides approximately 4 to 6 servings.
Should the rissoles rest after cooking?
Yes, let the rissoles rest for a few minutes after removing them from the grill before serving.
What is the consistency of the herb and onion mixture?
The mixture should be processed until it reaches a smooth consistency.
How much cinnamon is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How much salt is recommended?
You should use 1 teaspoon of salt for this recipe.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is described as an easy and simple recipe that is packed with flavor.
What amount of onion is needed?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of chopped onions.
What is the amount of allspice used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice.
Can these be cooked in the oven?
Yes, you can use either a grill or an oven set to medium-high for this recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including meat, herbs, bread, and spices.
Are these rissoles similar to meatballs?
Yes, they are a Middle Eastern take on standard meatballs, shaped into small patties.
What gives these rissoles their fragrance?
The combination of fresh parsley, mint, cinnamon, and allspice creates their fragrant aroma.
What should the texture of the meat mixture be?
The mixture should be pulse-blended until it is thoroughly combined and uniform.
Is hummus a recommended side dish?
Yes, creamy hummus is suggested as a perfect accompaniment when served in pita bread.