Description
These Harissa Meatballs with Whipped Feta are a flavorful and satisfying dish with a touch of Mediterranean flair. The spicy kick of harissa paired with creamy whipped feta creates a perfect balance of flavors. Serve these meatballs as a main course with warm pita bread for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Whipped Feta:
- 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons water (as needed)
For Serving:
- fresh herbs
- pita bread
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb, breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, harissa paste, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Cook meatballs in olive oil in a skillet until browned and cooked through.
- Make the Whipped Feta: Blend feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and water in a food processor until smooth.
- Assemble: Spread whipped feta on a platter, top with meatballs, and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve with warm pita bread.
Notes
- Adjust harissa amount to taste.
- Whipped feta can be made ahead and stored for 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 120mg