Ingredients
– 500 g (1 lb) lamb mince (can be substituted with beef, chicken, or turkey for variety)
– 1 small grated onion (about 1/2 cup including juices, for moisture and flavor)
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs, to help bind the mixture)
– 1 egg (for binding the meatballs and keeping them firm)
– 2 crushed garlic cloves (to add depth and a savory kick)
– 1/4 cup finely chopped coriander or cilantro leaves (parsley can be used instead for a milder taste)
– 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin (for that warm, earthy Moroccan spice)
– 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander (to bring citrusy notes to the mix)
– 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika (preferably smoked, for a smoky depth)
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for a hint of sweetness and warmth)
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat level, to add some spice)
– 1 teaspoon salt (to enhance all the flavors)
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for a touch of sharpness)
– 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking and browning the meatballs)
– 3/4 cup plain yoghurt (Greek preferred, for a creamy and thick base)
– 1/2 cup tightly packed mint leaves (to provide fresh, cooling flavor)
– 2 teaspoons lemon juice (for a zesty tang that brightens the sauce)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt (to balance the flavors in the sauce)
– 4 pita pockets or small Lebanese bread (to wrap and hold the fillings)
– 5 cups shredded lettuce (iceberg, cos, or romaine, for a crisp base)
– 2 thinly sliced tomatoes (for juicy freshness and color)
– 1 finely sliced red onion (for a sharp, crunchy contrast)
– Middle Eastern-style slaw (optional, for added texture)
– Extra coriander leaves (optional, for garnish and extra flavor)
Instructions
1-Gather and prepare all ingredients, chopping herbs and grating the onion finely to release its juices.
2-In a large bowl, combine the lamb mince, onion, garlic, spices, egg, breadcrumbs, and herbs, mixing gently until even.
3-Shape into uniform meatballs and chill for an hour to help them hold their shape.
4-Heat oil in a skillet and cook meatballs in batches, browning all sides for about 8 minutes.
5-For baking, preheat your oven and cook at 220°C for 20 minutes, turning once.
6-Prepare the mint yoghurt sauce by blending 1/4 cup yoghurt with mint leaves, lemon juice, and salt until smooth, then stir in the remaining 1/2 cup yoghurt and refrigerate.
7-Warm pita pockets and stuff them with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, red onion, 2 meatballs per half pita, and drizzle with the sauce.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🍴 Chill meatballs before cooking to help maintain shape and prevent falling apart.
🌿 Fresh mint in the yoghurt sauce enhances the refreshing flavor of the dish.
🔥 Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred level of heat for balanced spiciness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-frying or baking
- Cuisine: Moroccan
- Diet: High Protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita pocket with meatballs and fillings
- Calories: 518 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
