Recently I had a business lunch with my client at a Middle Eastern restaurant in Houston. I decided to try the Lebanese keto meatballs. As someone who follows a low-carb diet, I was excited to see a keto-friendly option on the menu. The dish did not disappoint – the meatballs were packed with flavor and the accompanying salad was fresh and crisp.
The meatballs themselves were made with ground beef, parsley, onion, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices. The waiter served them with a side of tahini sauce, which added a creamy, nutty flavor to the dish. The salad was a combination of cucumber, tomato, and onion, dressed with a simple vinaigrette. Overall, the dish was a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables.
Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply looking for a delicious and healthy meal, these meatballs are worth trying. With their bold flavors and satisfying ingredients, they’re sure to become a new favorite dish.
While we were savoring our lunch, we realized that a birthday party was taking place at the table behind us. Laughter and joy filled the restaurant as the birthday girl, wearing a glittering tiara, blew out the candles on her cake. Strangers joined in with a hearty rendition of “Happy Birthday,” and the restaurant staff brought out a surprise dessert with sparklers.
After enjoying the delicious meatballs, I couldn’t resist asking the chef for the recipe. After the commotion settled, I approached the chef and asked if he would be willing to share the recipe with me. To my surprise, he agreed and even provided some helpful tips on how to make the meatballs taste even better.
The recipe for the Lebanese keto meatballs is quite simple and easy to follow. The ingredients list includes ground lamb, chopped mint, garlic powder, sumac, kosher salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, ground cumin, and olive oil.
The chef recommended using fresh ingredients, especially mint, to bring out the flavors of the meatballs. He also suggested using a cast-iron skillet to cook the meatballs, as it helps to sear the meat and lock in the juices.
Accompanied Dishes
When it comes to serving Lebanese keto meatballs, there are plenty of keto-friendly dishes that can complement them and make for a satisfying meal. Here are some of my favorite dishes that pair well with these meatballs:
- Cauliflower Rice: This low-carb alternative to traditional rice is a great side dish for Lebanese keto meatballs. It’s easy to make and has a similar texture to rice, making it a perfect substitute.
- Greek Salad: A refreshing and healthy salad that is packed with flavor and nutrients. It’s a great way to balance out the richness of the meatballs.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness and add some color to your plate. They also provide a good source of fiber and vitamins.
- Tzatziki Sauce: This creamy yogurt-based sauce is a staple in Lebanese cuisine and pairs perfectly with meatballs. It’s made with garlic, cucumber, and dill, and adds a refreshing tanginess to the dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of ground lamb
- 1/2 cup of chopped mint
- 4 tsp of garlic powder
- 4 tbsp of sumac
- 1/2 tbsp of kosher salt
- 2 tsp of ground black pepper
- 2 tsp of onion powder
- 1 tbsp of ground cumin
- 5 tbsp of olive oil
How to Make Lebanese Keto Meatballs?
- First, add the ground lamb to the large bowl.
- Sprinkle in the mint, sumac, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for two hours.
- Once the lamb mixture has chilled, heat the saute pan until it begins to smoke lightly.
- Remove the lamb mixture from the refrigerator and roll 12 medium-sized meatballs.
- Gently add six meatballs to the pan and sear them for two minutes on each side.
- Then, remove them from the pan and set them aside. Repeat this process with the remaining six meatballs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Lebanese keto meatballs, there are a few common mistakes that you should avoid to ensure the best possible outcome. Here are some tips to help you avoid these mistakes and create delicious meatballs every time.
Firstly, avoid overworking the meat mixture. Overworking the mixture can make the meatballs tough and dry. To prevent this, mix the ingredients gently and only until they are combined. This will help to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
Another common mistake is not seasoning the meat mixture enough. When making meatballs, it’s important to season the mixture well to ensure that the meatballs are flavorful. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra salt, pepper, and other spices to the mixture to give it a boost of flavor.
By following these tips and avoiding these common mistakes, you can create delicious and flavorful Lebanese keto meatballs that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Tips for Perfect Lebanese Keto Meatballs
When it comes to making Lebanese keto meatballs, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor. As someone who has made these meatballs countless times, here are my top tips:
- Use a mixture of ground beef and ground lamb: While you can use just ground beef or just ground lamb, I find that a combination of the two gives the meatballs a more complex flavor. I usually use a 50/50 ratio, but you can adjust this to your liking.
- Avoid excessive mixing of the meat: While combining the meat with the other components, be careful not to overmix. Excessive mixing may lead to the formation of meatballs with a tougher texture. Stir the mixture only until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Use fresh parsley and mint: Fresh herbs are key to the flavor of these meatballs. Make sure to use fresh parsley and mint, and chop them finely before adding them to the mixture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking the meatballs, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This can cause them to steam instead of brown, which can result in a less flavorful crust. Cook them in batches if necessary.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make delicious Lebanese keto meatballs that are sure to impress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Lebanese keto meatballs are a delicious and healthy option for anyone looking to maintain a low-carb diet. The combination of ground beef and spices creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a salad or vegetable side.
One of the benefits of these meatballs is that they are high in protein, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods. Additionally, the use of almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs makes them gluten-free and lower in carbohydrates.
To make these meatballs even more keto-friendly, you can substitute the diced onion with onion powder and use a sugar-free tomato sauce. You can also experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.
Overall, these Lebanese keto meatballs are a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal while sticking to a low-carb diet. I hope you give them a try and enjoy them as much as I do!
By the way, these meatballs pair perfectly with keto baba ganoush (an eggplant salad).
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