North African Spiced Lamb Meatballs are incredible! Seasoned with homemade Ras el Hanout along with smoked paprika and Aleppo pepper. They are serve it next to couscous, torn naan and with a simple yet flavorful red pepper Harissa!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine North African
Keyword harissa, lamb, meatballs, Ras el Hanout
Prep Time 1 hourhr
Cook Time 30 minutesmins
Total Time 1 hourhr30 minutesmins
Servings 6servings
Calories 342
Author Laurie McNamara
Ingredients
FOR THE MEATBALLS:
1/2mediumred onioncoarsely chopped
2clovespeeled garlic
1/2cupcilantro leaves
1/2cupmint leaves
1/2cupparsley leaves
1poundLamb
1/2cupquick oats
1tablespoonRas el Hanout
1teaspoonsmoked paprika
3/4teaspoonkosher salt
1/2teaspoonAleppo pepperor red pepper flakes
1large eggbeaten
2tablespoonsextra light olive oilfor frying
FOR THE RED PEPPER HARISSA:
1tablespoonlight olive oil
1cupdiced onion
2clovesgarlicminced
3large roasted red bell peppers
1 to 2roasted chili peppers or Fresno chile1 pepper for moderate heat, 2 for spicy -- you can do this yourself of buy them
In your food processor, pulse the red onion and garlic until very coarsely chopped. Then add in the fresh herbs and pulse until everything is finely chopped.
In a large bowl combine the ground lamb, onion/herb mixture, quick oats, Ras el Hanout, paprika, salt, Aleppo pepper and the beaten egg. Use a fork to mix all of the ingredients together. Then use a tablespoon to measure out 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture and roll into balls.
Heat a large, 12-inch skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add in 2 tablespoons of extra light olive oil and work in batches of two, browning the lamb meatballs on all sides and until cooked through. Repeat with remaining meatballs.
MAKE THE ROASTED RED PEPPER HARISSA:
While the meatballs are browning, sauté the yellow onion until soft and translucent. Add in the garlic and cook for one minute. Remove the skillet from the heat for a moment.
In your food processor (don't bother rinsing it out form the herb/onion mixture) add in 3 large roasted red peppers, 1 to 2 roasted chili peppers, salt, coriander, cumin and black pepper. Secure the lid and pulse until it reaches a desired consistency. NOTE: If too thick, add a little of the water from the bowl (or jar) that held the peppers. Next, pour the red pepper Harissa into the skillet (with the sautéed onions and garlic), stir and heat on medium-low. Simmer for 15 to 18 minutes.
Serve meatballs with spoonfuls of the roasted red pepper Harissa, next to couscous (rice or even cauliflower rice), naan and a vegetable of your choice!
For SERVING AS AN APPETIZER:
IPuree sauce one last time (with the onions and garlic) for a smoother dipping sauce. Serve meatballs with toothpicks on a platter next to the red pepper Harissa.