Middle Eastern Meatballs with Zaatar

Name: Middle Eastern Meatballs with Zaatar
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey, beef, chicken or lamb; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon zaatar spice; 1 teaspoon sumac or sub 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 1/3 cup onion, very finely chopped (or 2-3 scallions); 3 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1/4-1/2 cup chopped herbs (mint, dill, Italian parsley or cilantro- a mix is nice); 1/2 teaspoon aleppo or chili flakes (optional); 1-2 tablespoons sesame seeds or zaatar to coat (optional); 1/2 cup water; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 fat garlic cloves; 3/4 cup fresh herbs (cilantro, Italian parsley, dill or basil or a combo!); 2-3 slices jalapeno (optional); 1/2- 1 teaspoon salt ( start with 1/2, add more to taste); ½ cup tahini paste, stirred

Instructions

Prep:15minCook:20min

Zaatar Meatballs with Green Tahini Sauce can be made with ground turkey, chicken, lamb or beef. A quick, low-carb weeknight meal that is full of flavor. Serve with Israeli salad or Lebanese Slaw on the side.

Updated at: Fri, 13 Feb 2026 03:57:15 GMT