Spicy And Delicious Merguez Meatballs

I love a good meatball, but Merguez Meatballs take it to the next level. I remember the first time I tried them at a Mediterranean restaurant. I was so blown away by the bold, spicy flavor that I knew I had to try making them myself. After a few attempts, I finally perfected the recipe. Now I can enjoy these delicious Merguez Meatballs in the comfort of my own home. I’m excited to share this recipe with you so you can experience the same memorable flavor. Let’s get started!

Merguez Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup raisins

Instructions

• Merguez Meatballs
• Preparation Time: 35 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Additional Time: 15 minutes
• Ingredients:
• tablespoons olive oil
• onion, diced
• cloves garlic, minced
• pound ground beef
• pound ground lamb
• teaspoon ground cumin
• teaspoon ground coriander
• teaspoon smoked paprika
• teaspoon ground cinnamon
• teaspoon sea salt
• /4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• /4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• /2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• egg
• /4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• /4 cup raisins
• Instructions:
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil, onion, and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, and all of the spices. Add the onion and garlic mixture and mix well.
• Add the panko breadcrumbs, parsley, mint, cilantro, egg, Greek yogurt and raisins. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
• To form the meatballs, use a tablespoon to scoop out a portion of the mixture, then roll it between your hands to form a ball. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.
• Let the meatballs cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 329 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 91mg
• Sodium: 516mg
• Potassium: 409mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 7g
• Vitamin A: 616IU
• Vitamin C: 6mg
• Calcium: 61mg
• Iron: 3mg

What is merguez?

Merguez is a spicy North African sausage traditionally made of lamb, beef, or a combination of the two. It is highly seasoned with a blend of spices including cumin, coriander, paprika, chili peppers, and garlic. The flavor of Merguez is usually very intense and has a bit of a kick to it.

Often served in a variety of dishes from tagines to couscous, Merguez is also commonly used to make a popular appetizer called Merguez Meatballs. These flavorful balls of ground meat are usually a combination of Merguez sausage and beef or lamb and are usually served with a tomato-based sauce or a yogurt-based sauce.

Merguez meatballs are a great option for entertaining since they are easy to prepare and can be cooked in the oven or on the stovetop. Whether served as an appetizer or as a main course, Merguez meatballs are sure to please any crowd.

What are the flavors and spices used to make merguez?

Merguez is a spicy North African sausage, traditionally made with lamb or beef. The flavors and spices used to make merguez vary depending on the region but typically include a combination of cumin, garlic, paprika, chili flakes, coriander, fennel, and cayenne pepper. The spices and flavors give the sausage its signature smoky and spicy taste. Additionally, some merguez recipes call for additional ingredients such as lemon zest, nutmeg, and rosemary. The combination of these spices creates a unique and flavorful sausage that is used in a variety of dishes.

What are the health benefits of eating merguez meatballs?

The health benefits of eating Merguez meatballs include:

• High in Protein: Merguez meatballs are a good source of protein, which helps to maintain muscle mass and repair tissue.
• Low in Fat: Merguez meatballs are low in saturated fat, making them a healthier alternative than other types of ground meat.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Merguez meatballs are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B.
• High in Fiber: Merguez meatballs are high in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep the digestive tract healthy.
• High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Merguez meatballs are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and support heart health.

What other dishes can merguez be used in?

Merguez meatballs are a delicious Moroccan dish that can also be used in a variety of other dishes. These flavorful lamb sausage links offer a unique taste that can be added to a variety of recipes. Here are a few ideas of what other dishes you can use merguez in to spruce up your meals.

Merguez can be used to make flavorful tacos. Simply shred up the meatballs and serve them with a variety of toppings, such as diced onions, tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro. The combination of the spiciness of the merguez with the freshness of the toppings makes for a delicious and filling meal.

Merguez can also be used to make a delicious and hearty chili. Simply add the cooked merguez to the chili pot and let the flavors meld together with the beans, tomatoes, and spices. The combination of the slightly spicy merguez with all the other ingredients makes for a dish that is sure to satisfy.

You can also make a delicious pasta dish with merguez. Cook the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil and garlic, then add them to your favorite pasta dish. The spiciness of the merguez will add a unique flavor to the dish, and the garlic will give it a wonderful aroma.

Finally, merguez can also be used to make a delicious pizza. Simply spread the cooked merguez onto a pre-baked pizza crust and top it with whatever other toppings you like. The combination of the spicy merguez and the other toppings will make for a unique and delicious pizza.

As you can see, there are many ways to use merguez to spice up your meals. Whether you’re making tacos, chili, pasta, or pizza, adding merguez will add an interesting new flavor to your dishes.

How can merguez meatballs be served?

Merguez meatballs can be served a variety of different ways. Traditionally, they are served as part of a couscous dish, along with other vegetables such as carrots, onions, and peppers. This dish is then dressed with a flavorful sauce, such as harissa, or a simple olive oil and lemon juice mixture.

Merguez meatballs can also be served as part of a tagine, which is a traditional North African stew made with vegetables, herbs, and spices. The stew is usually served with a side of couscous or other grains.

For a lighter meal, merguez meatballs can be served in a salad. This can be done by mixing the meatballs with arugula, feta cheese, and tomatoes. The salad can be dressed with a vinaigrette or a simple olive oil and lemon juice mixture.

Finally, merguez meatballs can be made into a sandwich. This can be done by making a sandwich with the meatballs, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. The sandwich can be dressed with a mayonnaise or aioli.

No matter what way merguez meatballs are served, they are sure to be a delicious and flavorful addition to any meal.

What ingredients are needed to make merguez meatballs?

To make Merguez Meatballs, you will need the following ingredients: ground beef, Merguez sausage, garlic, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, parsley, red onion, olive oil, salt and pepper.

Ground beef and Merguez sausage are the two main proteins in this dish. The Merguez sausage adds a unique flavor and spiciness to the meatballs. Ground beef adds bulk and texture, helping to create a hearty and satisfying meal.

Garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper are the spices used in this recipe. They add flavor and heat and help to enhance the flavor of the beef and Merguez sausage.

Parsley, red onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper are the other ingredients that round out the dish. Parsley and red onion add freshness and flavor, while olive oil adds a hint of richness. Salt and pepper are used to season the meatballs to taste.

Once you have all of the ingredients, you are ready to make the Merguez Meatballs. Simply mix the ground beef and Merguez sausage together, adding the spices and other ingredients. Once the mixture is combined, form into balls and bake in the oven until cooked through.

How can merguez meatballs be cooked?

Merguez meatballs can be cooked in a variety of ways. Generally, the simplest and most common way to cook merguez meatballs is to fry them in a pan of hot oil. To fry them, first heat up a pan of oil over medium-high heat. Then, roll the previously-made merguez meatballs into small balls, add them to the pan, and cook them for about five to eight minutes, flipping them over occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the merguez meatballs are cooked, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

Alternatively, merguez meatballs can be cooked in the oven. To do this, preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the pre-prepared meatballs on the baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time. Once cooked, remove the merguez meatballs from the oven and allow them to cool before serving.

Additionally, merguez meatballs can be cooked on the stovetop in a pot of boiling water. To do this, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the meatballs. Cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until fully cooked. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the pot and serve immediately.

No matter which method is used, merguez meatballs can be a delicious and flavorful addition to any meal. With a few simple steps, they can be cooked up in no time.