Description
Fragrant, herb-studded meatballs threaded with charred bell peppers and sweet onion, served with a glossy lemon-yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef and lamb blend (80/20), chilled
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, finely ground
- 2 tbsp finely grated onion (squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp mint, finely chopped
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt, full-fat
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp lemon zest, finely grated
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt and white pepper
- 1 tbsp dill or chopped mint (fresh herbs finely chopped)
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, cut into wedges (layers separated)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 lemon, halved and charred for garnish
- 8–10 small wooden or metal skewers, soaked if wooden
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: whisk Greek yogurt, lemon juice, zest, olive oil, chopped dill (or mint), and a pinch of salt until smooth. Chill for at least 15 minutes.
- Mix the meat: combine ground meat, egg, panko, grated onion, garlic, parsley, mint, salt, pepper, and cumin in a bowl, mixing until just combined.
- Shape and chill: roll mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about 18-20) and chill for 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat and prepare vegetables: preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Toss peppers and onion with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Assemble skewers: thread meatballs alternately with peppers and onions, brushing lightly with olive oil.
- Grill: place skewers over medium-high heat and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Rest and finish: transfer skewers to a warm plate and rest for 5 minutes, then finish with squeezed charred lemon and fresh herbs.
Notes
Chill meat before mixing for firmer meatballs. Soak skewers if wooden to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg