Middle Eastern Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey reduces fat content while still providing protein.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: oats

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Oats are a healthier alternative with added fiber.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier but can be more expensive.

parsley

🥗Healthier: cilantro

💰Cheaper: spinach

Cilantro can provide a different flavor profile at a similar cost.

Prepare finely chopped cilantro, garlic, and lemons.

In a bowl, combine turmeric, black pepper, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Add 1 egg, chopped onion, and breadcrumbs to the mixture.

Shape the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a small egg.

Fry the meatballs to brown the surface and keep them intact.

Caramelize chopped onion in a skillet for less than five minutes.

Add canned tomato chunks, beef cubes, raisins, and carrots to the skillet.

Pour in 2 cups of water to dilute the tomato.

Boil the mixture for around two hours, simmering to develop flavor.

After simmering, discard the cinnamon bark and add spinach for balance.

Optionally, add saffron to enhance the dish.

Serve the meatballs with basmati rice and garnish with cilantro.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens