Mediterranean Lamb Meatball Bowls are a flavorful and healthy dish featuring spiced lamb meatballs served over a bed of fluffy couscous or rice, topped with fresh vegetables and a tangy yogurt sauce. This dish is perfect for a hearty meal that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table.

Ingredients

For the Lamb Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg (beaten)

For the Bowl:

• 1 cup couscous (or rice)
• 1 1/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (for couscous)
• 1 cucumber (diced)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Timing

Making Mediterranean Lamb Meatball Bowls takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lamb Meatballs

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, pepper, and beaten egg. Mix until just combined.
3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.

Step 2: Cook the Couscous

1. Prepare Couscous: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
2. Fluff Couscous: After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Yogurt Sauce

1. Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

1. Layer Ingredients: In serving bowls, layer the couscous, baked lamb meatballs, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
2. Drizzle Sauce: Top each bowl with a generous dollop of the yogurt sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.

Step 5: Serve

1. Enjoy: Serve the Mediterranean Lamb Meatball Bowls warm and enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Mediterranean Lamb Meatball Bowls (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	25g
Fat	25g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	3g

Tips for Customization

• Grain Options: Substitute couscous with quinoa, bulgur, or brown rice for different textures and flavors.
• Vegetable Variations: Add other Mediterranean vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or artichokes for extra color and nutrition.
• Spice Level: Adjust the spices in the meatballs or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Lamb Meatball Bowls are a delicious and nutritious meal that brings together the rich flavors of lamb, fresh vegetables, and a creamy yogurt sauce. This dish is not only satisfying but also visually appealing, making it a great choice for family dinners or entertaining guests. Enjoy this delightful recipe!