Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/24 checked
6
servings
1 unit

onion

chopped

1.5 cup

pistachios

raw

0.25 cup

breadcrumbs

2 cup

fresh parsley

chopped

1 cup

fresh tarragon

chopped

1 cup

fresh cilantro

chopped

1 tbsp

lime juice

fresh

1 tsp

red pepper flakes

1 tsp

fresh ground black pepper

1 tbsp

ground cumin

1 tsp

salt

2 lbs

ground lamb

1 unit

egg

0.5 cup

canola oil

0.75 cup

pomegranate molasses

0.25 cup

honey

1 tsp

salt

0.5 tsp

fresh ground black pepper

0.5 tsp

red pepper flakes

2 tbsp

chopped pistachios

1 cup

fresh pomegranate

1 sprig

basil

1 unit

mint

1 unit

mixed sprouts

Step 1
~4 min

Pulse onion, pistachios, breadcrumbs, parsley, tarragon, cilantro, lime juice, red pepper flakes, black pepper, cumin, and salt in a food processor until a grainy paste forms.

Step 2
~4 min

Transfer paste to a large mixing bowl and add ground lamb and egg.

Step 3
~4 min

Lightly knead for a few minutes (do not over mix).

Step 4
~4 min

Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 24 hours.

Step 5
~4 min

Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C).

Step 6
~4 min

Generously oil a wide baking dish.

Step 7
~4 min

Shape the meat mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each).

Step 8
~4 min

Place meatballs in the prepared baking dish and brush with oil.

Step 9
~4 min

Bake in the oven for 10 minutes.

Step 10
~4 min

While meatballs bake, combine pomegranate molasses, honey, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl for the glaze.

Step 11
~4 min

Taste the glaze and adjust the sweet-sour balance to preference.

Step 12
~4 min

Reduce oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).

Step 13
~4 min

Glaze the meatballs and bake for another 5 minutes to infuse with the pomegranate flavor.

Step 14
~4 min

Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more honey if too sour or more pomegranate molasses if too sweet.

Step 15
~4 min

Keep warm in the oven until ready to serve.

Step 16
~4 min

Place the meatballs with its sauce in a deep serving dish and garnish.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Soaking the pistachios beforehand can make them easier to process.

Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference.

Serve with saffron rice or couscous for a complete meal.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

20 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with saffron rice.

Garnish with fresh mint and basil.

Offer a side of plain yogurt.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Saffron rice
Couscous
Plain yogurt

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Persia (Iran)

Cultural Significance

Pomegranates and pistachios are common ingredients in Persian cuisine, often used in festive dishes.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Nowruz (Persian New Year)

Occasion Tags

Dinner Party
Holiday
Family Meal

Popularity Score

70/100

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