Shawarma-style beef meatballs, hummus, and toasted pita bread

Servings: 4
Prep time: about 20 minutes
Cook time: about 15 minutes

Ingredients

Beef Meatballs

• 600 g (1.3 lb) ground beef
• 1 small onion, coarsely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 90 ml (6 tbsp) fresh parsley leaves
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) ground cumin seeds
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) paprika
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) ground coriander seeds
• 5 ml (1 tsp) turmeric powder
• 5 ml (1 tsp) ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 15 ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil
• 45 to 90 ml (3 to 6 tablespoons) breadcrumbs, as needed
• Salt and pepper to taste

The Crisp Salad

• 2 tomatoes, diced
• ½ English cucumber, diced
• ½ small red onion, finely sliced
• 60 ml fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 60 ml (4 tablespoons) olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

To Serve

• 250 ml (1 cup) hummus
• 4 pita breads
• Honey, to taste

Preparation

1. In a tall bowl, using a stand mixer, blend the onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, paprika, cilantro, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and olive oil until the mixture is smooth.
2. Add this mixture to the ground beef and mix well.
3. Stir in 45 ml (3 tablespoons) of breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. If needed, add more breadcrumbs—up to 90 ml (6 tablespoons)—until the mixture holds its shape well.
4. Form 16 to 24 slightly elongated meatballs.
5. In a hot skillet over medium-high heat, brown the meatballs on all sides.
6. Continue cooking for 6 to 8 minutes, until they are thoroughly cooked through.
7. In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Add the juice of half a lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and toss to combine.
8. Meanwhile, toast the pita breads for a few minutes in a skillet, on the grill, or in the oven.
9. On each plate, arrange the hummus, the shawarma-style beef meatballs, and the crisp salad.
10. Finish with a drizzle of honey over the meatballs and serve with the toasted pita breads.