Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of the Middle East with these mind-blowing Zaatar Spiced Lamb Meatballs! Imagine tender, juicy lamb infused with the aromatic blend of zaatar spices, creating a flavor explosion that will have your dinner guests begging for the recipe. These meatballs aren't just a meal – they're a culinary journey that combines traditional techniques with mouthwatering ingredients that will make your kitchen smell like a gourmet restaurant.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 2 tbsp zaatar spice mix
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb, zaatar spice mix, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and the egg. Mix thoroughly using your hands to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, carefully incorporating the seasonings without overmixing the meat, which can make the meatballs tough.
- Using clean hands, form the meat mixture into uniform-sized meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. This should yield about 12-16 meatballs depending on size.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, rotating to achieve an even, golden-brown crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety, which typically takes about 10-12 minutes total cooking time.
- Remove meatballs from the skillet and let rest on a paper towel-lined plate for 3-4 minutes to absorb excess oil and allow juices to redistribute.
- Optional: Garnish with additional fresh parsley and a sprinkle of zaatar before serving. Recommended to serve with warm pita bread or over a bed of herbed rice.
Tips
- Meat Mixing Mastery: When combining ingredients, use a light touch. Overmixing can make your meatballs tough, so gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach the safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This guarantees both food safety and perfect texture.
- Size Matters: Try to make your meatballs uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Aim for about
- 5 inches in diameter for the best results.
- Resting is Crucial: After cooking, let the meatballs rest for 3-4 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting your zaatar spice mix briefly in a dry pan before adding it to the meat mixture to enhance its aromatic qualities.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair these meatballs with warm pita bread, herbed rice, or a fresh Mediterranean salad to complete your culinary experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg
