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Better than Cava Lamb Meatballs

April 4, 2022

As an ex-corporate baddie, Cava has a special place in my heart. Out of all the fast casual chains out there, Cava reigns supreme. Their bold and bright flavors blow the competition out of the water (sorry Dig Inn). My go to order was always a bowl with lamb meatballs and harissa. However, their harissa is a touch too spicy for me. In this recipe, I tame the spice of Cava harissa (available at Whole Foods) with crushed tomatoes. It still packs the same punch without overwhelming the pallet.

The shawarma seasoning that I use is from Spice House. Highly recommend.

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Wishbone Kitchen

Lamb Meatballs with Harissa Tomato Sauce

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs
  • ½ lb ground lamb
  • ½ lb ground beef 80/20 lean/fat
  • 1 egg yolk
  • ¼ cup greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup bread crumbs
  • 1 tbsp shawarma seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic finely grated
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
For the Harissa Tomato Sauce
  • ¼ cup harissa I use the cava brand harissa
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic finely grated
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese for serving
  • parsley for serving
  • olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with olive oil.
  2. Make the sauce. Heat a sauce pan over medium high heat. Add a splash of olive oil and the harissa. Cook out for 2 minutes and then add the garlic. Cook for another minute. Add the crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Add a ¼ cup of water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick. It should be saucy, similar to marinara sauce.
  3. In a large bowl, combine all of the meatball ingredients. Gently mix until homogeneous. Roll into small meatballs, about the size of ping pong balls. Arrange on the foil lined baking sheet. Broil for 5-8 minutes until outsides are caramelized.
  4. Transfer the seared meatballs to the sauce, cover and simmer for 2-5 more minutes or until the meatballs are fully cooked.
  5. Plate and top with crumbled feta and chopped parsley.

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What do you think of this recipe?

SO GOOD! Can’t believe how quick and easy these were!