Makes about 20 meatballs

INGREDIENTS:

• Ground lamb or beef, or a mixture of the two — 2 pounds

• Onion, minced — 1

• Fresh parsley or mint, finely chopped — 1/2 bunch

• Ground cumin — 1 tbsp.

• Cinnamon — 2 teaspoons

• Allspice (optional) — 1 tsp.

• Salt and pepper — to season

• Coconut oil — 1/4 cup

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb, minced onion, finely chopped herbs (parsley or mint), ground cumin, cinnamon, allspice (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
2. Knead the mixture well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed. Cover the bowl and chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. Take the chilled meat mixture out of the refrigerator and shape it into patties or balls, each about the size of a small egg.
5. Heat the coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the meat patties or balls in batches until browned and cooked through. You can also grill or broil them if preferred.
6. Once the meatballs or patties are cooked, serve them with brown rice and tzatziki sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.

ALLERGIES:

SF (Shellfish-Free)

GF (Gluten-Free)

DF (Dairy-Free)

EF (Egg-Free)

NF (Nut-Free)

VARIATIONS:

1. Coriander Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of ground coriander to the meat mixture for an aromatic and citrusy flavor.
2. Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to add some heat to the dish.
3. Sesame Sensation: Roll the shaped meatballs or patties in sesame seeds before cooking for a nutty and crunchy texture.
4. Greek-inspired: Serve the meatballs or patties with a side of Greek salad and pita bread for a Mediterranean twist.
5. Herb-Infused: Experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme, dill, or cilantro to enhance the flavors.
6. Spicy Middle Eastern Meatballs: Add 1 teaspoon of harissa paste or crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick. You can also serve these meatballs with a spicy tomato sauce or harissa yogurt sauce.
7. Mediterranean Meatballs with Feta: Mix in 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese into the meatball mixture before shaping them. The feta adds a tangy and creamy flavor to the meatballs.
8. Lemon and Herb Middle Eastern Meatballs: Add the zest of one lemon and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill to the meatball mixture for a bright and refreshing flavor.
9. Turkish Middle Eastern Meatballs (Kofte): Replace the ground lamb or beef with ground lamb and beef mixture, and add 1 teaspoon of ground sumac to the meatball mixture for a unique Turkish twist.
10. Middle Eastern Meatball Pitas: Serve the meatballs inside warm pita bread with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of tahini sauce or yogurt sauce.
11. Middle Eastern Meatball Platter: Arrange the meatballs on a platter with a variety of Middle Eastern dips and spreads, such as hummus, baba ganoush, and tzatziki, along with some olives, pickles, and pita bread for a mezze-style appetizer.
12. Middle Eastern Meatball Curry: Simmer the meatballs in a flavorful tomato-based curry sauce with Middle Eastern spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Serve over rice or with flatbread.