Spicy Tunisian Harissa Meatballs with Mint Yogurt

Name: Spicy Tunisian Harissa Meatballs with Mint Yogurt
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 500g ground beef; 2 tablespoons harissa paste; 1 small onion; 2 garlic cloves; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; Salt and pepper; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs; 250g Greek yogurt; A handful of fresh mint leaves; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt; 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon harissa paste; Salt; Fresh coriander leaves; Lemon wedges

A flavorful twist on classic meatballs with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce

Delve into North African cuisine with these spicy, harissa-laced meatballs complemented by a cooling mint yogurt sauce.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

500g ground beef

2 tablespoons harissa paste

1 small onion

finely chopped

2 garlic cloves

minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

Salt and pepper

to taste

1 egg

beaten

2 tablespoons breadcrumbs

For the Mint Yogurt Sauce

250g Greek yogurt

A handful of fresh mint leaves

finely chopped

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt

to taste

For the Tomato Sauce

1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon harissa paste

Salt

to taste

For the Garnish

Fresh coriander leaves

Lemon wedges

Preparation

Marinating the Meatballs

Combine Meatball Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, harissa paste, onion, garlic, cumin, and coriander.

Add Egg and Breadcrumbs

Add salt, pepper, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly.

Refrigerate Mixture

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Chill the meatball mixture before shaping for best consistency.

Preparing the Mint Yogurt Sauce

Mix Ingredients

In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, chopped mint leaves, and lemon juice.

Season and Stir

Season with salt and stir until well combined.

Chill Sauce

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Allow the yogurt sauce to rest for a minimum of 20 minutes for flavors to meld.

Cooking Process

Making the Meatballs

Roll the chilled mixture into ping-pong size balls.

Preparing the Tomato Sauce

Heat olive oil in a saucepan, add tomatoes, sugar, and harissa; simmer for 10 minutes.

Cooking the Meatballs

Fry the meatballs over medium heat until golden brown on all sides.

Plating & Serving