What can I substitute for harissa?

A mix of smoked paprika, cumin, and a bit of cayenne with olive oil makes a decent substitute.

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Absolutely. Form them slightly smaller than a golf ball and increase roasting time by 5 minutes.

Is this good for meal prep?

The meatballs and veggies reheat well. Store whipped feta separately and add fresh when serving.

Harissa Meatballs with Whipped Feta

Name: Harissa Meatballs with Whipped Feta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 5 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 whole bell peppers; 1 tbsp olive oil; 0.25 tsp salt; 22 oz frozen meatballs; 2 tbsp harissa paste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 0.5 tsp garlic powder; 1.5 whole zucchini; 6 oz feta cheese; 2 oz cream cheese; 1 clove garlic; 1 cup hummus; 6 whole pitas; 0.25 cup kalamata olives; 1 whole lemon

Sheet-pan harissa meatballs with roasted vegetables, served with creamy whipped feta and warm pitas for an easy Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

30 min

Total Time

45 min

Servings

Calories

520/serving

Difficulty

Easy

by Replay RecipesMediterranean Cuisine

DinnerMediterraneanQuick & Easy

Nutrition Per Serving

520Calories

28gProtein

38gCarbs

28gFat

4gFiber

6gSugar

Ingredients

2 whole bell peppers
1 tbsp olive oil
0.25 tsp salt
22 oz frozen meatballs
2 tbsp harissa paste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
0.5 tsp garlic powder
1.5 whole zucchini
6 oz feta cheese
2 oz cream cheese
1 clove garlic
1 cup hummus
6 whole pitas
0.25 cup kalamata olives
1 whole lemon

Servings

5 servings

Ingredients

Prepare the sheet pan

Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange the sliced bell peppers on one side of a large sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

Coat meatballs in harissa

In a bowl, whisk together the harissa paste with a tablespoon of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of garlic powder until spreadable. Toss the meatballs in this mixture until evenly coated. Arrange them on the center of the sheet pan.

First roast

Place the sheet pan in the oven and roast for 15 to 20 minutes until the meatballs are heated through and starting to caramelize.

18 min

Add zucchini and finish roasting

Remove the pan, scatter the sliced zucchini around the meatballs, drizzle with a little olive oil and salt. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes. For extra browning, switch to broil for 3 to 5 minutes at the end.

10 min

Make whipped feta

While the meatballs roast, combine the feta, cream cheese, and garlic in a food processor or blender. Process until thick and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.

Assemble and serve

Arrange the roasted meatballs and vegetables on a platter or individual plates. Serve alongside dollops of whipped feta, hummus, warm pita wedges, kalamata olives, and lemon wedges.

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Tips & Variations

Pat frozen meatballs dry before coating with harissa for better caramelization
Add zucchini later to prevent it from overcooking and becoming mushy

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for harissa?: A mix of smoked paprika, cumin, and a bit of cayenne with olive oil makes a decent substitute.
Can I use homemade meatballs?: Absolutely. Form them slightly smaller than a golf ball and increase roasting time by 5 minutes.
Is this good for meal prep?: The meatballs and veggies reheat well. Store whipped feta separately and add fresh when serving.

Recipe inspired by the original at pinchofyum.com. Ingredients and factual cooking data extracted; instructions independently written.

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