Spicy Harissa Lamb Meatballs

Spicy Harissa Lamb Meatballs
This dish infuses succulent ground lamb with a bold North African flair. Combining aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and fiery harissa paste, the meatballs boast depth and heat. Mixed with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, they're baked to juicy perfection. Simmered in a rich tomato-harissa sauce, the meatballs soak up layers of flavor, creating a tantalizing harmony.

Approx times: Prep: 15 min - Cook: 25 min
Ingredients
Serves 4
For the meatballs:
  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon harissa paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Olive oil (for cooking)
For the sauce:
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons harissa paste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional garnish)
Directions
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, harissa paste, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, black pepper, parsley, and egg. Mix well.
  • Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
  • Once the skillet is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
  • Transfer the browned meatballs to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
  • In the same skillet used for browning the meatballs, add tomatoes, harissa paste, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  • Simmer the sauce over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  • Once the meatballs are cooked through, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce until evenly coated.
  • Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.