Ramadan, a time of reflection and community, is often celebrated with cherished family recipes. This year, elevate your Iftar spread with a vibrant and flavorful fusion dish: succulent lamb meatballs paired with a refreshing low-carb fattoush salad. The tender lamb meatballs, bursting with aromatic spices, offer a comforting richness that perfectly complements the crisp, tangy fattoush, a traditional Levantine salad. We've adapted the fattoush to be lower in carbohydrates, making it a healthier and satisfying addition to your meal.
This delightful combination of textures and tastes will leave your guests wanting more. The juicy meatballs, infused with Middle Eastern spices, are a true delight, while the crunchy fattoush provides a delightful contrast. Ready to embark on a culinary journey that seamlessly blends tradition with a modern twist? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this unforgettable Ramadan feast.
Tools Needed
- pan
- bowl
- garlic press (optional)
- paper towel
- baking tray (optional)
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Lamb Meatballs
- Peel and finely chop the red onion. Mince the garlic (you can use a garlic press).
- Fry the onion and garlic in a pan over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Remove the onion and garlic from the pan and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the lamb mince, cooled onion and garlic, harissa paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, half of the chopped mint and coriander, salt, and pepper.
- Knead the meatball mixture well to combine the flavors and create a softer texture.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- Fry the meatballs in the same pan (with added olive oil) over high heat until browned on all sides. Reduce heat and cook through, covered, for another 5 minutes.
- (Alternatively, bake meatballs at 200 degrees Celsius for about 15 minutes.)
Step 2. Make the Low-Carb Fattoush Salad
- Rinse and prepare the lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber for the fattoush. Chop the tomatoes in half and slice the cucumber.
- Add the remaining herbs (mint and coriander) to the salad ingredients.
- Remove the seeds from the pomegranate.
- Prepare the fattoush dressing by combining pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, olive oil, sumac powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the salad with the dressing and top with pomegranate seeds.
Step 3. Combine and Serve
- Serve the lamb meatballs with the fattoush salad.
Read more: Arabic Eggplant Recipe: A Simple & Delicious Guide
Tips
- Use a garlic press for easier mincing if desired.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of harissa paste to your preferred spice level.
- You can use other herbs such as parsley, dill, oregano, or rosemary in the meatballs and salad.
- Meatballs can be prepared and even fried in advance and reheated before serving.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the meatballs to ensure even browning and prevent steaming.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the lamb with another type of meat?
Yes! Ground beef or turkey can be used as substitutes, but the flavor profile will change slightly. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
2. How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
The meatballs can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the fattoush salad just before serving for optimal freshness and crispness.
This Lamb Meatballs with Low-Carb Fattoush recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for sharing during Ramadan or any special occasion. The satisfying combination of rich meatballs and refreshing salad creates a truly memorable dining experience. Enjoy this delicious and relatively healthy dish, and happy cooking!