Spiced Cumin Lamb or Beef Meatballs
These Spiced Cumin Meatballs are a delightful fusion of savory flavors inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine. They are juicy and tender, infused with garlic and warm spices that create a truly satisfying bite. Perfect for lunch or as a hearty snack, these meatballs can be served with a tangy sauce or on their own. For those observing Passover, simply replace the breadcrumbs with matzah meal for a festive twist. Enjoy them with pita bread, hummus, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
4
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lean ground lamb or beef
1 lb (raw)
Large egg
1 (beaten)
Dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (plain (or matzah meal for Passover))
Garlic cloves
3-5 (crushed)
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Salt
to taste (seasoning)
Black pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
Tomato paste
1 tablespoon (plain)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (plain)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground lamb or beef with the beaten egg, dry breadcrumbs (or matzah meal), crushed garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2
Divide the mixture into 20 equal portions and roll each portion into a small egg-shaped ball.
3
Set the meatballs aside on a plate.
4
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5
Carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
6
Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Drain excess oil from the skillet, leaving just enough to coat the bottom.
7
Pour 3/4 cup of water into the skillet and add the tomato paste, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
8
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
9
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and gently coat them in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until they are heated through.
10
Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Cumin Lamb or Beef Meatballs?
These meatballs are a savory fusion dish inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine, featuring garlic and warm spices for a juicy and tender bite.
What type of meat can be used for this recipe?
You can use either one pound of lean ground lamb or one pound of lean ground beef.
How many meatballs does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes approximately 20 equal portions rolled into small egg-shaped balls.
Can I make these meatballs for Passover?
Yes, simply replace the 1/4 cup of dry breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup of matzah meal.
What ingredients are needed for the meatball mixture?
The mixture includes ground meat, a beaten egg, breadcrumbs or matzah meal, crushed garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
How much cumin is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
How many garlic cloves are required for the meatballs?
You should use 3 to 5 crushed garlic cloves in the meat mixture.
How long do I brown the meatballs in the skillet?
Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes over medium heat.
What kind of oil should be used for frying?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
What is in the sauce for the meatballs?
The sauce is made from 3/4 cup water, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
How long should the meatballs cook in the sauce?
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
What are the serving suggestions for these meatballs?
They are delicious served with pita bread, hummus, a fresh salad, or a tangy sauce.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 200 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving contains 15g of protein.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe serves 4 people.
Is there a specific preparation for the egg?
Yes, the large egg should be beaten before being mixed with the meat.
What is the preparation for the lemon juice?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients required for this dish.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
How do I shape the meatballs?
Divide the meat mixture and roll each portion into a small egg-shaped ball.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include meatballs, middle eastern, cumin, passover, snacks, lamb, beef, easy recipes, and savory dishes.
Should I drain the oil after browning?
Yes, drain the excess oil from the skillet, leaving just enough to coat the bottom before making the sauce.
Can I add garnish to the dish?
Yes, you can garnish the meatballs with fresh herbs if desired before serving warm.
Does the recipe use garlic powder?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder is used specifically for the sauce.
How much tomato paste is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of plain tomato paste.
Is the breadcrumb amount the same for matzah meal?
Yes, use 1/4 cup of either dry breadcrumbs or matzah meal.
What heat level is used for simmering the sauce?
The sauce should be simmered over medium heat.
What is the primary flavor profile of these meatballs?
The primary profile is savory and warm, characterized by cumin, garlic, and tomato.
How should the meatballs be served?
Serve them warm, gently coated in the tomato and lemon-based sauce.