Harissa has quickly become one of my favourite ingredients to use over the past few years. It's super flavourful and works in SOmany different applications. And these deliciously easy harissa meatballs are no exception. Made with ground dark turkey meat, it's moist, flavourful and a quick weeknight dinner to whip up. Don't skip on the whipped feta, it cools everything down and makes the perfect dip to these fiery harissa turkey meatballs.
Why You'll Love These Harissa Meatballs
- super quick and easy to make for a weeknight dinner.
- great for leftovers and meal prep.
- delicious served to guests as an appetizer
- packed with flavour
- they are the perfect vehicle for dipping into the whipped feta!
Ingredients
To make these easy and flavourful harissa meatballs, here's what you'll need.
- ground turkey
- 1 egg
- harissa paste
- garlic
- parsley
- sumac
- lemon zest
- kosher salt
For the whipped feta dip, you only need three ingredients!
- feta cheese
- ricotta cheese
- Greek yogurt
So although this harissa meatball recipe is low on ingredients, it's packed with flavour, and that really comes down to using harissa paste.
What is Harissa?
Harissa is a blend of hot peppers, oil and various spices. It's a flavor base for curries and stews, as well as a condiment, in Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco, according to Middle Eastern food expert Paula Wolfert. The ingredients in harissa vary by neighbourhood, country, and ethnicity. The basic recipe calls for hot peppers, garlic, salt and lots of olive oil. Can you see why it's so tasty now?!
Is Harissa Spicy?
It depends on the brand. Some will be mild and some will be spicy, each jar will state if it's mild or spicy.
Personally, Ilove spice and have used this one for this recipe and it tastes SOgood. Ihighly recommend it!
When using harissa, feel free to start with a smaller amount and see how it works. Depending on your taste and spice preference, add more.
How to Make Harissa Turkey Meatballs
Making these harissa meatballs couldn't be easier. From start to finish, they should take just over 30 minutes total, this also includes making the whipped feta!
Preheat the oven to 400℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together all of the turkey ingredients until just combined, don't over mix.
Form into small golf-ball sized meatballs and place on the baking sheet.
Transfer to the oven and bake for 14 minutes. Remove the tray and turn the oven to a high broil and return the baking sheet to the oven. Broil on high for eight to ten minutes, until browned and cooked through.
How to make Whipped Feta Dip
The other good news with this recipe is that the whipped feta takes only minutes to make, thanks to the food processor.
Once you've made this batch, you'll definitely have leftovers, which ISNOTa bad thing! It's so good served with crackers, veggies, pita or bread.
In a food processor, combine all ingredients and turn on high. Process on high until very smooth and creamy, about two minutes. Stop the machine and scrape down the sides as needed.
What to do with Leftover Whipped Feta
- serve it with veggies, crackers, on bread, toast, or serve with pita.
- jazz it up with a drizzle of olive oil, scallions and honey (see my recipe for that over on Instagram!) and the photo below.
- keep leftovers in the fridge in a sealed container for about a week or so (check the expiration date on your products to be sure).
Tips
When it comes to making these harissa meatballs and whipped feta dip, here are a few tips to make things extra easy and delicious
- Always use room temperature feta and ricotta cheese: this makes the dip creamier and a better consistency.
- Don't over mix the meatball mixture: mix until everything is just combined to avoid over working the meat, which could make it tougher.
- Use a mix of dark and light meat: this will result in more flavour.
- Make the whipped feta dip ahead of time: this can save extra time and dishes to clean. Let it sit out and come to room temperature before serving.
- Make the meatballs ahead of time:if serving at a party, form them into balls ahead of time and then cook them when you're ready to eat.
- How to serve:I love serving these harissa meatballs with a nice big salad, or extra grilled or baked veggies, such as grilled cabbage.
Substitutions
- No turkey: use ground chicken instead, ground lamb would also work.
- Less spice:use a mild harissa, such as this one. Or use less of the harissa if you have a spicy one.
- No sumac: omit
- No dill: use parsley as a garnish
- No dairy: omit the whipped feta dip and serve with a plain dairy-free yogurt to cool things down, or a tahini sauce.
More Harissa Recipes
If you're looking for more ways to enjoy harissa, check these ones out!
- Harissa Red Lentil Dip
- Harissa Salmon and Orzo with Tahini Sauce
- Harissa Chicken Thigh Lettuce Wraps
More Appetizer Recipes
Looking for more appetizers, check these ones out!
- Air fryer calamari
- Air fryer coconut shrimp with Thai sweet chili sauce
- Smoked salmon dip
- Air fryer jalapeño poppers with prosciutto
- Healthy french onion dip
- Butternut squash hummus with fried sage and dukkah
- Fresh rolls with spicy peanut sauce
- Vegan zucchini fritters
Ready to make this? Let's get to it!
If you make these harissa meatballs please share with me, by tagging me on Instagram or leave a comment and/or review below. I truly love seeing and hearing form you!
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