How to Make the Perfect Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Tahini Sauce
Middle Eastern · Medium · 35 min · 4 servings
These juicy ground lamb meatballs are seasoned with warming spices like cumin coriander and cinnamon for a Middle Eastern inspired paleo dish. Served with a smooth tahini drizzle they are completely grain free and dairy free yet bursting with complex and satisfying flavor.
Why this recipe works
This Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Tahini Sauce recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 26g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lb ground lamb
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 0.25 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix and Form Meatballs
In a large bowl combine ground lamb half the garlic cumin coriander and a pinch of cinnamon and sea salt. Mix gently with your hands and form into 16 evenly sized meatballs.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a large oven safe skillet over medium high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the meatballs in batches for 2 minutes per side until browned on the outside.
Step 3: Finish in the Oven
Transfer the skillet to a 375 degree F oven and roast for 8 to 10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through to 160 degrees F. Remove and allow to rest for a few minutes.
Step 4: Make Tahini Sauce
Whisk together tahini lemon juice remaining garlic and 3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Drizzle generously over the warm meatballs and serve with fresh parsley.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground lamb → ground beef or ground turkey for a milder flavor
- tahini → sunflower seed butter thinned with lemon juice for a nut and seed free option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overmixing the meat mixture which compresses the proteins and results in tough dense meatballs
- Making meatballs of uneven sizes which causes some to be overcooked while others remain underdone
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 26g protein, 8g carbs, 32g fat, 2g fiber.
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