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Air-Fried Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs with Eggplant Relish
Discover a healthy twist with air-fried lamb meatballs and tangy eggplant relish. Perfect for a nutritious Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Elevate your culinary experience with our Air-Fried Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs, paired with a vibrant eggplant relish. This recipe captures the rich flavors of the Mediterranean, while embracing the health benefits of air frying, which reduces oil usage and keeps the dish light yet satisfying. Lamb is an excellent source of high-quality protein, iron, and essential vitamins, making it a nutritious choice for your meals.
The combination of lamb meatballs and eggplant relish offers a harmonious blend of savory and tangy elements. Eggplant, a low-calorie vegetable rich in fiber and antioxidants, complements the robust flavor of lamb beautifully. By utilizing an air fryer, we ensure that the meatballs are perfectly cooked, tender inside, and crispy on the outside, without the need for excessive oil. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a delicious, balanced meal that celebrates Mediterranean flavors.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings
4
Calories
480 kcal
per serving
Cuisine
Mediterranean
Discover a healthy twist with air-fried lamb meatballs and tangy eggplant relish. Perfect for a nutritious Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- • ground lamb: 1 pound
- • garlic cloves, minced: 3
- • onion, finely chopped: 1 medium
- • fresh parsley, chopped: 1/4 cup
- • ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- • smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
- • salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- • black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- • eggplant, diced: 1 medium
- • cherry tomatoes, halved: 1 cup
- • red onion, finely chopped: 1/2
- • lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
- • olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- • fresh mint leaves, chopped: 2 tablespoons
- • whole wheat pita bread (optional): for serving
Instructions
- 1 Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- 2 In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- 3 Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
- 4 Air fry the meatballs for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
- 5 Meanwhile, prepare the eggplant relish. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced eggplant and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 6 Stir in cherry tomatoes, red onion, and lemon juice. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and stir in chopped mint leaves.
- 7 Serve the lamb meatballs with the eggplant relish on the side. Optionally, accompany with whole wheat pita bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
- • These air-fried lamb meatballs pair beautifully with a side of quinoa or a fresh green salad to balance the meal. You can also serve them with grilled vegetables or a tangy yogurt sauce for added flavor. For a refreshing beverage, consider pairing this dish with a chilled cucumber-mint lemonade, which complements the Mediterranean spices and provides a cooling contrast. For a complete Mediterranean-themed dinner, serve these meatballs alongside a platter of olives, hummus, and feta cheese. This creates a delightful variety of flavors and textures that will satisfy your taste buds.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover lamb meatballs and eggplant relish in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The meatballs will keep for up to 3 days, while the eggplant relish can last up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the meatballs back in the air fryer for a few minutes or warm them in the oven. The eggplant relish can be gently reheated on the stovetop or enjoyed cold as a refreshing side.
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