Mediterranean Meatballs With Couscous Recipes

MOROCCAN-SPICED CHICKEN MEATBALLS

Steps:

• First, make the yogurt sauce: Combine 1 cup of the yogurt, 1 teaspoon of the garlic, the lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste in a small bowl. Mix well, and chill until ready to use.
• Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the remaining 1/3 cup yogurt, remaining 1 tablespoon garlic, chicken, panko, egg, parsley, olive oil, sugar, paprika, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and a few generous grinds of black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly, until incorporated. Using an ice cream scoop or two spoons, form meatballs about 1 1/2-inches in diameter, then place them on a plate or sheet pan until ready to use.
• In a large skillet, heat 1/8-inch olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, fry the meatballs in batches, flipping occasionally, until browned all over and cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. (If the meatballs begin browning too quickly or the oil begins smoking, lower the heat.) Transfer the cooked meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate.
• To serve, spread the yogurt sauce in an even layer on a flat platter. Arrange the meatballs on top, and top with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and the pine nuts, if using. Serve hot.

MEDITERRANEAN MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
• Combine ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, rosemary, parsley, oregano, dill, coriander, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix using your hands until just blended.
• Form meat mixture into balls, about 1 1/2 inches diameter, and place onto the prepared pan.
• Spray meatballs with cooking spray, place in the preheated oven, and bake until the meatballs are browned and no longer pink in the center, about 40 minutes.
• Remove meatballs from the oven and allow to cool slightly on a paper towel lined plate. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for serving.

MOROCCAN MEATBALLS WITH COUSCOUS AND ROASTED CARROTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss carrots with 2 teaspoons oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast until tender and golden, 20 minutes, tossing halfway through.
• In a medium bowl, combine beef, spice mix, cinnamon, cilantro, minced white and green scallions, and egg; season with salt. With hands, gently mix to combine and form into 16 meatballs. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high. Cook meatballs until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes total. Add 1/4 cup water, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook until meatballs are just cooked through, 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium-high. Add sliced scallion whites and cook, stirring, until softened, 3 minutes. Add 1 cup water, cover, and bring to a boil. Stir in couscous and season with salt and pepper. Cover, remove pan from heat, and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff couscous with a fork, and stir in almonds and sliced scallion greens. Serve meatballs and any pan juices with couscous, carrots, and lemon wedges.