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Mediterranean spiced beef meatballs

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 cup finely grated onion (squeeze out excess liquid)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped (optional but good)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko works well)
  • 1.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

In a large bowl combine the grated onion, garlic, parsley, mint, egg and breadcrumbs. Let sit 2-3 minutes so the breadcrumbs soften.

Add the ground beef, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, allspice, salt and pepper. Mix with your hands until just combined – don’t overwork it, or the meatballs will turn out dense.

Roll into balls about 1.5 inches across (golf ball size, maybe a touch smaller). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.

If they need more cooking through, transfer to a 375F oven for 8-10 minutes, or drop them into a simmering tomato sauce to finish.

Makes ~16-18 small meatballs.

Nutrition

Estimated, per serving

  • Servings: 4
  • Serving size: ~4 meatballs (1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 340
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Carbs: 8 g
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated fat: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Total sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg