These savory meatballs get a hint of sweetness thanks to prunes. Blending in yogurt to a bell pepper-paprika sauce complements the protein-rich appetizer

Gluten-Free, Meat / Poultry / Fish

Crispy Sesame Meatballs with Yogurt and Pepper Dip

Prunes add sweetness to savory, protein-rich meatballs. Serve with a yogurt-and-bell pepper sauce to complete the appetizer.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving

  • Ingredients

  • Cook Time

    15 min
  • Calories IconCalories

    330
  • Protein IconProtein

    17 g
  • Fat IconFat

    25 g
  • Yield

    8 large meatballs / 4 servings
These savory meatballs get a hint of sweetness thanks to prunes. Blending in yogurt to a bell pepper-paprika sauce complements the protein-rich appetizer

Instructions

    To make the dip, blend the peppers, yogurt, and spices in a blender. Season with salt and chill until ready to serve.

    To make the meatballs, mix the meat with the onion, eggs, Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper. Form into 8 meatballs. Place a prune in the center and reform back into a ball. Flatten slightly. Put the sesame seeds on a plate. Press each side of the meatballs into the sesame seeds and shake off the excess.

    In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and gently fry, adjusting the temperature to prevent the sesame seeds from scorching, until cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes (a thermometer inserted into the center of the ball will read 165F). Drain on paper towels. Serve warm with the dip.

Ingredients

Dip

½ red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into small pieces

½ yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into small pieces

300 g / 1 ¼ cups plain whole-milk yogurt

1 tablespoon sweet paprika

1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes

½ teaspoon salt

Meatballs

400 g / 14 oz ground beef

1 yellow onion, finely diced

2 eggs

60 g / 1 lightly packed cup grated Parmesan

2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

8 Pitted Prunes

40 g / 1/3 cup white sesame seeds for rolling

4 tablespoons olive oil

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