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Beef Shawarma Meatballs

Not long ago I had lunch at a little Lebanese restaurant and I discovered some really wonderful new dishes.

Beef Schwarma Meatballs

One of these was shawarma, a meat mixture that is marinated in a spice blend, placed on a spit, and slowly grilled.  It is sliced thin and served with pita and other fresh garnishes.  It is very similar to a gyro but with distinctly different spices.  I fell in love!  The restaurant owner, of course, would not share their recipe for the spices so I had to do some research and testing.  Just from tasting the meat I knew allspice featured heavily in the mix, as did cardamom.  After that I was stumped.

Beef Schwarma Meatballs

After some experimenting I decided to add a little cinnamon and coriander which add an earthy depth and punch up the flavor of the allspice.  My version is not at all traditional.  Without the large cone shaped spit there was little hope that I could create the exact same texture, so I decided on small meatballs.  They are easy to stuff in some fresh, soft pita bread and the outsides get delightfully crusty under the broiler which approximates the texture of the spit roasted meat.  All I added was a cool cucumber and yogurt sauce to go over the top.  Make this when you are feeling exotic and you will not be disappointed!

Beef Shawarma Meatballs   Serves 6

For the meatballs:
1 pound ground beef, no leaner than 90/10
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon coriander
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 finely diced onion
2 tablespoons strained yogurt

For the sauce:
1 small cucumber, peeled and  seeds removed
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup strained yogurt
1 tablespoon dry dill
Salt and pepper

Garnishes:
Fresh pita bread
Thin sliced tomato
Thin sliced onion
Thin sliced cucumbers
Hummus

Begin by making the sauce.  In a blender combine the garlic and cucumber.  Blend until very smooth.

Beef Schwarma MeatballsBeef Schwarma Meatballs

In a small bowl combine the cucumber mixture, lemon juice, yogurt, dill, salt, and pepper.  Mix well, then cover and chill for at least an hour.

Heat the broiler and line a sheet pan with foil sprayed with non-stick spray.

Beef Schwarma Meatballs Beef Schwarma Meatballs Beef Schwarma Meatballs

In a large bowl mix the ground beef, garlic, yogurt, spices, lemon juice, and onion until well combined.  With a small disher, about two tablespoons, scoop out the meatballs into the prepared sheet pan.  You should get between 25 and 30 meatballs.  Cover and let the meatballs stand, at room temperature, for thirty minutes.

Once rested broil for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 155 F and are well browned.  Cool for ten minutes, tented loosely with foil, before serving.

Beef Schwarma Meatballs

Serve with the garnishes and sauce.  Enjoy!

Beef Schwarma Meatballs

Author: Kelly

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