Zaatar Meatballs with Green Tahini Sauce

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Feasting at home

Total Time

35 minutes

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Rating

(27)

Ingredients

4 servings

1 lb ground turkey, beef, chicken or lamb
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon zaatar spice
1 teaspoon sumac or sub 1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/3 cup onion, very finely chopped (or 2-3 scallions)
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/4-1/2 cup chopped herbs (mint, dill, Italian parsley or cilantro- a mix is nice)
1/2 teaspoon aleppo or chili flakes (optional)
1-2 tablespoons sesame seeds or zaatar to coat (optional)
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 fat garlic cloves
3/4 cup fresh herbs (cilantro, Italian parsley, dill or basil or a combo!)
2-3 slices jalapeno (optional)
1/2- 1 teaspoon salt ( start with 1/2, add more to taste)
½ cup tahini paste, stirred

Dinner Intermediate Healthy Frying ...

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Preparation

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Step 1

Make the meatballs

Step 2

Place ground meat, salt and spices in a bowl and mix and toss with a fork to distribute evenly. Add onion, garlic, herbs and chili flakes, mixing again with a fork.

Step 3

With wet hands, knead the mixture a couple of times adding olive oil if need be (please see notes). Divide into 4 balls, then form into 12 meatballs with wet hands (3 meatballs per ball).

Step 4

Optional: Coat the meatballs in sesame seeds by rolling them or sprinkle lightly with zaatar (if using zaatar, know it may contain more salt so go light or do a tester first)

Step 5

Heat a large skillet with 1-2 tablespoon olive oil over medium-low heat, add the meatballs turning as each side gets golden. Lower heat to low to continue cooking all the way through or cook through in a 350F oven.

Step 6

While the meatballs are cooking make the Green Tahini Sauce: Place all the ingredients (except the tahini paste) in a blender or food processer and blend until combined but not overly smooth. Add tahini paste. Blend until creamy. Taste, and adjust salt, acid and heat. If you want a “looser “sauce, add a little more water until the desired consistency.