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Grilled Moroccan Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of North Africa with these juicy, spiced Moroccan meatballs complemented by a refreshing yogurt sauce.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Moroccan
Calories: 375
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Ingredients
  • 1 large large egg A vital binding agent.
  • 3 cloves cloves garlic, minced Adds aromatic depth.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin Infuses warm earthiness.
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice Offers sweetness and complexity.
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro (optional) Provides a bright and vibrant note.
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt Essential for flavor amplification.
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Adds a touch of spice.
  • 1 1/4 lbs 85% lean ground beef Creates a tender meatball.
  • 1/3 cup panko Adds crispy texture.
Yogurt Sauce Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and finely diced Provides refreshing contrast.
  • 1 cup plain low-fat or whole milk Greek yogurt Offers creaminess.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Brightens the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill Elevates the yogurt flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt Adjusts seasoning.
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Complements freshness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 500°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix together the egg, garlic, cumin, allspice, cilantro, kosher salt, and black pepper. Then add the ground beef and panko, gently mixing until combined.
  3. Scoop 1/3 cup portions of the mixture, forming them into 8 disc-shaped meatballs.
  4. Dip a wad of paper towels in vegetable oil and rub it over the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Grilling
  1. Place the meatballs on the preheated grill, close the lid, and cook for about 4 minutes.
  2. Flip the meatballs and grill for another 4 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
Serving
  1. Let the meatballs rest for about 3 minutes before serving.
  2. While the meatballs are grilling, prepare the yogurt sauce by combining cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, dill, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl, mixing well.
  3. Serve the meatballs with the yogurt sauce and couscous.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, marinate the mixture for an hour before forming meatballs. For extra crispy meatballs, pan-sear them briefly before grilling.