Best 3 Middle Eastern Cumin Meatballs Recipes

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Middle Eastern cumin meatballs, also known as kofta, are a flavorful and versatile dish enjoyed throughout the region. They can be served as a main course, appetizer, or side dish and are often paired with rice, vegetables, or yogurt sauce. Made with ground lamb or beef, cumin meatballs are seasoned with a blend of spices that may include cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika, giving them a warm and savory flavor. The meatballs are usually grilled, pan-fried, or baked until tender and juicy, creating a crispy exterior and a tender interior. Whether you are an experienced cook or a beginner looking to explore Middle Eastern cuisine, this article will provide you with the knowledge and guidance to create delicious and authentic cumin meatballs.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CUMIN MEATBALLS



Cumin Meatballs image

These meatballs have a very Middle Eastern flavor. To make these suitable for Passover, just substitute matzah meal for the bread crumbs.

Provided by Mirj2338

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 50m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb lean ground lamb or 1 lb beef
1 large egg
1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
3 -5 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon cumin
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Mix meat, egg, bread cumbs, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper.
  • Divide into 20 equal-size balls.
  • Roll each ball into egg shape.
  • Set aside.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add meatballs, brown on all sides.
  • Remove from skillet and set aside.
  • Drain skillet.
  • Pour 3/4 cup water into skillet.
  • Add tomato paste, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, cook 5 minutes.
  • Return meat to skillet and cook just until heated through.

MIDDLE EASTERN CUMIN MEATBALLS



Middle Eastern Cumin Meatballs image

These Middle Eastern meatballs with garlic and cumin are heavy on the garlic, so feel free to scale it down if you wish. We love it as is! The meatballs and sauce are perfect served over bulghur. Bulghur wheat can be found next to the rice in Middle Eastern markets and even some of the bigger grocery stores. Prepare it as you would rice.

Provided by Ani

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatball Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
1 egg
2 tablespoons minced garlic
¼ cup bread crumbs
½ teaspoon cumin
salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 ½ cups water
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Combine the ground beef, egg, garlic, bread crumbs, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well mixed. Roll the mixture into egg-sized balls, and set aside.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs; cook until firm, and browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove meatballs from the skillet and pour out the fat.
  • Bring the water to a boil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the tomato paste, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Add the cooked meatballs, and simmer in the tomato sauce for 5 to 10 minutes until completely cooked.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 483.5 calories, Carbohydrate 9.5 g, Cholesterol 165.1 mg, Fat 32.7 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 36.5 g, SaturatedFat 10.2 g, Sodium 632.3 mg, Sugar 2.3 g

MIDDLE EASTERN TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH COUSCOUS



Middle Eastern Turkey Meatballs With Couscous image

This recipe was my introduction to couscous, and I've never looked back. The first time I made it, I did accidentially use israeli couscous (don't try it!). The cinnamon is very subtle, and the meatballs are very complex in flavor. This is very healthy, and tastes sooo good!

Provided by MechanicalJen

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

cooking spray
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup chicken broth
2/3 cup whole wheat couscous
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1 cup Baby Spinach
3/4 lb lean ground turkey
1/4 cup egg substitute
1 tablespoon steak sauce
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons tomato paste

Steps:

  • Spray large skillet with cooking spray. Sauté 3/4 cup onion until tender.
  • Bring broth to a boil in small saucepan over high heat, stir in couscous and 1/4 tsp salt. Cover and remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes. Stir in onion and spinach. Set aside.
  • Meanwhile, combine turkey, egg substitute, remaining 1/4 cup onion, steak sauce, cinnamon, cumin, remaining salt and black pepper in medium bowl. Mix well. Shape into 1 inch balls (makes approximately 24).
  • Spray skillet with cooking spray. Over medium high heat, add meatballs and cook until no longer pink, roughly 7 minutes.
  • Add water and tomato paste to skillet, whisk until blended. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Add meatballs. Cook until meatballs are hot.
  • Serve meatballs and sauce over couscous mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 177.5, Fat 8.1, SaturatedFat 2.1, Cholesterol 67.3, Sodium 661.2, Carbohydrate 6.8, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 3, Protein 19

Tips:

  • For the most flavorful meatballs, use a combination of ground beef and lamb.
  • Don't overwork the meat mixture, or the meatballs will be tough.
  • Gently roll the meatballs between your palms to create a smooth, even shape.
  • Brown the meatballs in a hot skillet before simmering them in the sauce. This will help to keep them moist and juicy.
  • Use a flavorful sauce that complements the meatballs. A tomato-based sauce is a classic choice, but you could also try a yogurt-based sauce or a spicy harissa sauce.
  • Serve the meatballs over rice, pasta, or your favorite vegetables.

Conclusion:

These Middle Eastern cumin meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The meatballs are moist and juicy, with a flavorful blend of spices. The sauce is rich and flavorful, and it perfectly complements the meatballs. Whether you serve them over rice, pasta, or vegetables, these meatballs are sure to be a hit.

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