Harissa Spiced Meatballs With Yogurt Sauce

Bored of regular old meatballs? Give your taste buds a kick in the pants with this spicy harissa alternative! Harissa, a North African chili paste made with roasted red peppers, garlic, and spices, takes these meatballs to the next level with its bold and complex flavors. Perfect for spicing up a dreary weeknight or impressing guests with your culinary skills.

Here’s the process for ultimate flavor: First, you brown the meatballs to perfection on the stove, then bake in the oven for maximum juiciness. To balance out the heat, there’s a creamy and tangy yogurt sauce with a touch of honey that perfectly complements the spice.

I like to serve them up with mixed vegetable barley, but you could do a fresh side salad, or simply eat them up on their own (no judgies here). I’d bet real money that you won't be able to resist going back for seconds (or thirds).

COOKING NOTES

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME: 40 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

  • 1/4 cup milk

  • 2 tablespoons harissa paste

  • 1 egg

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the sauce:

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

  • 2 tablespoons harissa paste

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, harissa paste, egg, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined.

  3. Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.

  4. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

  5. Transfer the meatballs to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through.

  6. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce by mixing together the Greek yogurt, harissa paste, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

  7. Serve the meatballs hot, drizzled with the harissa yogurt sauce on top. Enjoy!

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