Mediterranean Lamb Meatball Bowl with Creamy Yogurt Sauce
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 20–25 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Ingredients
Lamb Meatballs
- 450 g (1 lb) ground lamb
- 1 small bunch parsley, chopped
- 1 small bunch cilantro, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) harissa
- 5 ml (1 tsp) smoked paprika
- 5 ml (1 tsp) chili powder
- 5 ml (1 tsp) cumin
- A pinch of La Belle Excuse Mountain Oregano Dried on Stem
- La Belle Excuse Extra Virgin Black Olive Oil
Vermicelli Rice
- 60 ml (¼ cup) vermicelli
- 375 ml (1 ½ cups) rice, rinsed
- 500 ml (2 cups) water
Pickled Onions
- 120 ml (½ cup) La Belle Excuse Raspberry and White Balsamic Vinegar
- 120 ml (½ cup) water
- 1 onion, sliced
Yogurt Sauce
- 250 ml (1 cup) plain Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of ¼ lemon
- La Belle Excuse Pennyroyal Mint Dried on Stem
Toppings
- 2 red bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 120 ml (½ cup) crumbled feta
- La Belle Excuse Mountain Oregano Dried on Stem
- La Belle Excuse Extra Virgin Black Olive Oil
- La Belle Excuse Raspberry and White Balsamic Vinegar
- 2–3 Persian cucumbers, diced
Steps
Roasted Peppers
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes, until the skin is charred and the flesh is tender.
- Let cool slightly, peel, and slice into strips. Toss with feta, dried oregano, a drizzle of raspberry balsamic vinegar, and olive oil.
Lamb Meatballs
- In a bowl, combine lamb, parsley, cilantro, garlic, harissa, spices, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
- Form about 12 meatballs.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
Vermicelli Rice
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add vermicelli and cook until golden, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add rice and water. Season with salt and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and cook for about 12 minutes, until fully absorbed.
Pickled Onions
- In a bowl or jar, combine vinegar and water. Warm slightly, then add sliced onion.
- Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Yogurt Sauce
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, dried mint, and lemon juice. Season to taste.
Assembly
- In a bowl, add rice, then top with lamb meatballs, roasted peppers with feta, cucumbers, and pickled onions.
- Serve with yogurt sauce and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.