Go Back
–+ servings
Tahina Meatballs85

Israeli Meatballs Simmered in Tehina

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Servings

8 Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 8 oz. containers of Sabra Tehina plus 5-6 tablespoons water
  • 2 pounds lean chopped meat
  • 1 small onion minced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 3/4 cup flat leaf parsley washed and patted dry, stemmed and finely chopped (Reserve 1/4 cup for garnish)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger
  • 1 teaspoon paprika plus 1/4 teaspoon more for garnish
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons pistachio halves or pine nuts roasted or browned in dry pan. Reserve for garnish.
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil for pan

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, Mix 2 containers of Sabra tehina with water until it is thin but not watery. Set aside.
  • Mix meat with all ingredients except reserved tahini (this will become your simmer sauce); parsley, paprika and pistachios (all for garnish).
  • Mix meat so that all ingredients are integrated. Do not over- handle. Form into 1 inch rounds and then pat into small football shapes.
  • Heat oil in large ovenproof pan or pot. When oil is shimmering, add meatballs and brown on both sides, approximately 3 minutes per side. Do not crowd the pan. You will need to brown in 2-3 rounds.
  • When meatballs are browned, remove from pan and set aside. Wipe pan of meat and onion crumbles and any extra oil that has pooled.
  • Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit with shelf set in middle position.
  • Pour 1/2 of tehina mixture into bottom of ovenproof pot or cast iron pan. Place meatballs in the pan in a single layer. Pour remaining tehina over meat.
  • Place pan in oven and bake, uncovered for 30 minutes. Check meat for doneness by cutting into one of the meatballs.
  • If meat appears a little dry, drizzle 1/4-1/2 cup of thinned tehina over the meatballs and place pan back in oven to warm.
  • Serve meatballs garnished with chopped parsley, pistachios and a sprinkle of paprika.
  • Serving notes: These meatballs are delicious tucked into a lettuce wrap with extra tehina drizzled over the meat. They may also be tucked into a warmed pita or served over brown rice or your grain of choice.