The Most Royal Arabic Meatballs with Potatoes | Dawood Basha

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground lamb

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground lamb adds a unique flavor.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is healthier.

chickpeas

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Lentils are a great source of protein and cook faster.

parsley

🥗Healthier: coriander

💰Cheaper: green onions

Coriander adds a fresh flavor while being more affordable.

Peel the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized chunks.

Parboil the potato chunks in water for 6 to 7 minutes until tender but firm, then drain and let cool.

Roughly dice one onion for the sauce and finely chop another onion for the meatballs.

Peel and crush garlic cloves for the sauce and meatballs.

Chop fresh flat-leaf parsley for the meatballs.

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, finely chopped onion, parsley, Seven Spice, salt, and pepper. Knead well to mix thoroughly.

Shape about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture into meatballs.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the meatballs, frying for 3 to 4 minutes until browned on all sides.

Remove the meatballs from the skillet, keeping the oil in the pan.

Add crushed garlic to the oil and fry for 30 seconds.

Add the roughly chopped onion to the pan and fry for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly browned.

Add tomato paste and combine with the onions.

Add tomato puree, Seven Spice, salt, and pepper to the sauce and stir well.

Bring the sauce to a simmer on low to medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the parboiled potato chunks and some water, bringing to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low and covering to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the meatballs to the sauce, gently stirring to cover them with the sauce.

Cover and simmer for another 12 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and the meat is fully cooked.

Garnish the stew with finely chopped parsley and optionally toasted pine nuts or almonds.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary