Hummus with Pistachio Lamb Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
This dish combines tender lamb meatballs with the creamy richness of hummus, enhanced by the crunch of pistachios and the freshness of mint. It’s an elegant yet simple recipe perfect for a flavorful appetizer or a light main course.
Ingredients
- 250g lamb mince
- ½ a small bunch of mint, plus a few mint leaves to garnish
- 30g pistachios, plus a few extra to garnish
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 tbsp oil
- 200g tub plain hummus
- 30g feta, crumbled
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor, combine the lamb mince, mint, and pistachios. Pulse roughly to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Step 2: Add the lemon zest to the mixture and season generously with salt and pepper. Shape the mixture into eight even meatballs.
- Step 3: Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for 8–10 minutes, turning regularly to brown all sides evenly.
- Step 4: Spread the plain hummus onto a serving plate. Arrange the cooked meatballs on top, then garnish with mint leaves, crumbled feta, chopped pistachios, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Tips & Variations
- To add extra depth, stir a pinch of ground cumin or smoked paprika into the lamb mixture before shaping the meatballs.
- If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop the mint and pistachios and mix everything by hand.
- Serve with warm pita bread or fresh salad for a fuller meal.
Storage
Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the hummus separate in its container. Reheat the meatballs gently in a pan or microwave before serving. Assemble fresh garnishes each time for the best flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?
Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as alternatives if you want a different texture or flavor, though pistachios give a distinct taste that complements lamb beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure your hummus and any sides do not contain gluten.
Print
Hummus with Pistachio Lamb Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 meatballs per person) 1x
Description
A flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring spiced lamb meatballs with crunchy pistachios served on a creamy bed of hummus, garnished with fresh mint and crumbled feta cheese for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 250g lamb mince
- ½ a small bunch of mint, plus a few mint leaves to garnish
- 30g pistachios, plus a few extra to garnish
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 tbsp oil
Hummus and Garnish
- 200g tub plain hummus
- 30g feta, crumbled
- Lemon juice, for squeezing
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Place the lamb mince, mint, and pistachios into a food processor. Pulse roughly to combine the ingredients while maintaining a coarse texture. Add the lemon zest, season generously with salt and pepper, and pulse a few more times to incorporate.
- Shape the Meatballs: Take the mixture and shape it into eight evenly sized meatballs for consistent cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry the meatballs for 8 to 10 minutes, turning regularly to ensure they brown evenly on all sides and are cooked through.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread the plain hummus onto a serving plate to form a base. Arrange the cooked meatballs on top. Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves, crumbled feta cheese, chopped pistachios, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Notes
- Using a food processor for the meatball mixture helps combine ingredients well without over-processing.
- Make sure to turn the meatballs frequently during frying to brown evenly and prevent sticking.
- For a more intense pistachio flavor, toast the pistachios lightly before adding.
- This dish pairs well with warm pita bread or a fresh green salad.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated and reheated gently in a pan or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: lamb meatballs, pistachio meatballs, hummus, Mediterranean recipe, easy dinner, lamb recipe, pistachio, feta, mint, lemon zest
