Introduction
Discover a delicious and healthy recipe that creatively combines minced beef, cooked grains or lentils, and fresh vegetables. This dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it great for a family meal or a gathering with friends. With the added zing of harissa and the freshness of lemon and parsley, these meatball wraps are sure to impress.
Ingredients
500g minced beef
1 x 250g sachet of cooked grains or lentils
1 lemon
1 bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley (30g)
3 teaspoons harissa
350g red cabbage
1 small red onion
1 red apple
4 tablespoons natural yoghurt
Olive oil
4 wholemeal tortillas
Optional: pickled chillies, to serve
Prep Time
Prep time for this recipe is approximately 20 minutes, allowing you to prepare all the fresh ingredients and create your tasty meatball mixture.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is about 7 minutes for frying the meatballs, making the total time around 30 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for sharing.
Enjoy creating this flavorful meal that combines wholesome ingredients into a fun and interactive dining experience!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
Place the minced beef and cooked grains or lentils into a food processor. Finely grate the zest of the lemon and tear in half of the parsley leaves.
Step 2: Seasoning
Add 2 teaspoons of harissa along with a good pinch of sea salt and black pepper, then blitz the mixture to combine well.
Step 3: Forming the Meatballs
On a large sheet of greaseproof paper, divide the mixture into 24 pieces. With wet hands, roll each piece into balls.
Step 4: Prepare the Slaw
Trim and finely slice the red cabbage. Peel and finely slice the red onion. Combine them in a bowl with the juice of half a lemon and a pinch of salt and pepper. Scrunch the mixture together well.
Step 5: Add Apple and Remaining Parsley
Slice the apple into matchsticks. Pick the leaves from the remaining parsley. Add both to the bowl with the cabbage and onion, and toss everything together.
Step 6: Cook the Meatballs
Place 16 meatballs (freeze the remaining for another day) into a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Fry for 7 minutes, or until golden and cooked through, turning occasionally.
Step 7: Prepare the Harissa Yoghurt
Mix 1 teaspoon of harissa into the natural yoghurt to create a flavoured dressing.
Step 8: Warm the Tortillas
Warm the wholemeal tortillas briefly to ensure they are soft and pliable.
Step 9: Serve the Dish
Serve the pan of meatballs (4 per portion) alongside the slaw, harissa yoghurt, and optionally, pickled chillies. Encourage everyone to build and roll up their own wraps.
Notes
Meatball Storage
The meatballs can be frozen for future use.
Serving Suggestions
Feel free to adjust the amount of harissa to suit your spice preference.
Ingredient Freshness
Using fresh parsley and a ripe apple will enhance the dish’s overall flavor.
Optional Additions
Consider adding extra toppings like avocado or feta for additional flavor and texture.
Cook techniques
Food Processor Mixing
Using a food processor allows for the even mixing and blending of minced beef with cooked grains or lentils, ensuring all components are well incorporated.
Rolling Meatballs
Wet hands help in rolling the meat mixture into uniform balls, preventing sticking and ensuring a smooth shape.
Preparing Slaw
Finely slicing red cabbage and red onion enhances their texture, while scrunching them with lemon juice and seasoning helps to soften and infuse flavor into the vegetables.
Cooking Meatballs
Frying meatballs in a non-stick frying pan on medium heat ensures even cooking and a golden-brown exterior, while turning them occasionally prevents burning.
Rippled Yogurt Preparation
Gently swirling harissa into natural yogurt creates a flavorful dip that complements the dish without overwhelming it.
Warm Tortilla Technique
Warming tortillas before serving enhances their flexibility, making them easier to roll and hold the filling together.
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat besides minced beef?
Yes, you can substitute minced beef with other meats like chicken, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives for a different flavor profile.
What can I use instead of harissa?
If you don’t have harissa, you can use other spicy pastes or sauces like sriracha, chili paste, or a mix of paprika and cayenne pepper.
How do I store leftover meatballs?
Cooked meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Yes, the slaw can be prepared in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and toss before serving to retain freshness.
What is a good alternative to wholemeal tortillas?
You can use corn tortillas, lettuce wraps, or any preferred flatbread as an alternative to wholemeal tortillas.
Conclusion
This recipe showcases the delightful combination of spices and fresh ingredients, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal. The balance of savory meatballs, tangy slaw, and creamy harissa yogurt wrapped in wholemeal tortillas offers a wholesome dining experience, perfect for sharing and customization.
Meatball and Grain Bowl
Transform the meatballs into a grain bowl by serving them over a bed of your favorite cooked grains instead of in tortillas. Add more fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and cucumber for extra crunch.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Use the spiced meatball mixture to stuff halved bell peppers. Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Harissa Beef Burger
Combine the meatball mixture with a bit of breadcrumbs and form patties for delicious harissa beef burgers. Serve with slaw on top and a dollop of harissa yogurt.
Vegetable Taco Filling
Replace the beef with a combination of lentils and diced zucchini, seasoned with harissa, to create a hearty vegetarian taco filling.
Apple and Cabbage Salad
Make a refreshing salad using the red cabbage and apple with a citrus dressing, perfect as a side dish or light lunch.
Wrap Variations
Experiment with different toppings in your wraps—try adding grilled vegetables, feta cheese, or avocado for added flavor and texture.
Meatball Skewers
Thread the cooked meatballs onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and bell pepper chunks for a fun and easy-to-eat appetizer. Serve with the harissa yogurt for dipping.
