Ingredients
1 lb ground lamb
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground paprika
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp chili flakes
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups water or broth
1 cup couscous
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 English cucumber, sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup plain yogurt
4 oz crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Extra virginia mint for garnish
Instructions
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
In a large bowl, combine lamb, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
Gently form the mixture into 12 to 16 meatballs (depending on size).
Brush the meatballs with olive oil and grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked through.
While the meatballs cook, prepare the couscous by adding to a heatproof bowl, then pour boiling water/broth over the couscous.
Stir gently, cover with a lid, and let sit for 5 minutes until tender and fluffy.
Fluff the couscous and stir in half the parsley, mint, and olive oil.
In a small bowl, combine yogurt, remaining lemon juice, salt, and a pinch of chili flakes for the sauce.
Assemble bowls by topping herby couscous with 3-4 meatballs, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and fresh parsley and mint.
Drizzle with the yogurt sauce, add a dollop of feta (if using), and finish with a lemon wedge and additional herbs.
Notes
The meatballs can be made up to a day in advance and refrigerated until grilling.
For a vegan option, substitute lamb with mashed chickpeas and use vegan feta or omit feta entirely.
The couscous can be prepared in advance and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Mediterranean Basics
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
