Lamb Meatballs with Creamy Harissa Tahini
with roasted carrots / flatbread
These tender meatballs are already full of flavor, but a smoky, creamy dip of tahini and harissa takes them to the next level. This meal is highly adaptable (use any ground meat or vegetables you have on hand), so keep it in your rotation for busy nights.
Smarts #1: Harissa can vary from mild to quite spicy, so adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Smarts #2: Za'atar is a Middle Eastern herb blend that can be found in specialty shops or online. If you have trouble finding it, you can use equal parts cumin, sesame seeds, and dried thyme instead.
Ingredients
- Garlic - 2 cloves , chopped
- Tahini - 1/4 cup
- Harissa - 3 Tbsp (use more or less, depending on your spice preference)
- Lemon juice - 3 Tbsp
- Chives - 2 Tbsp , chopped
- Panko breadcrumbs, gluten-free - 1/3 cup
- Milk, any type - 1/3 cup
- Eggs - 1
- Za'atar - 1 tsp
- Cumin - 1 tsp
- Salt - 3/4 tsp
- Garlic powder - 1/2 tsp
- Paprika, smoked - 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper - 1/4 tsp
- Lamb, ground - 1 lb
- Oil, cooking - 1 Tbsp
- Stock, any type - 1/4 cup
- Flatbread, any gluten-free - 4
- Carrots - 1 lb , sliced (sub baby carrots)
- Oil, olive - 1 Tbsp
- Za'atar - 2 tsp
- Lemon juice - 2 tsp
- Honey - 1 tsp
Prep
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Carrots / Garlic - (If prepping right before cooking, get oven heating first.) Prep as directed and store separately. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
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Make harissa tahini - Combine garlic, tahini, harissa, and lemon juice (portion for tahini) and whisk until smooth. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
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Form meatballs - Chop chives. In a large bowl, combine panko with milk and let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes until the milk is mostly absorbed. Add eggs, Za’atar (portion for meatballs), cumin, salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and chives and mix well. Add ground lamb and mix gently until just combined. Form into 1 ½” / 3.8 cm balls (note that the mixture will be sticky). (Can be done 1 day ahead)
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Make
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Heat oven to 425F / 218C degrees.
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Toss carrots with olive oil and Za’atar (portion for carrots) and season with some salt and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and transfer to the oven. Roast carrots until tender and golden, 20 to 25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through.
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While the carrots roast, heat a deep saute pan (use one with a lid) with cooking oil over medium heat. Add meatballs to heated oil and sear until golden brown on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the stock. Cover the pan and simmer gently until meatballs are cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes more.
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When carrots are done roasting, toss them with lemon juice (portion for carrots) and honey.
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If harissa tahini was made ahead of time, give it a stir.
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Warm flatbread according to package directions.
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Serve meatballs with carrots on the side and harissa tahini for dipping or topping the meatballs. Scoop up meatballs and tahini with warm flatbread. Enjoy!
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