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Moroccan Feta Meatballs with Ras El Hanout and Zucchini Noodles

Elaine Khosrova
Ras el hanout is a blend of six or more ground spices, similar in concept to curry powder, but more cinnamon based. It’s available in most markets, but if necessary, substitute equal parts cinnamon, cumin, and cardamom.

Ingredients
  

  • ½ pound ground lamb
  • ½ pound ground beef
  • ⅔ cup panko bread crumbs
  • ⅔ cup crumbled standard firm-style feta
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ras el hanout
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon salt plus more for zucchini
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 3 medium zucchini
  • ½ cup beef broth or water
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine lamb, beef, bread crumbs, feta, parsley, garlic powder, ras el hanout, turmeric, and salt, mixing until well combined. Add egg, and stir until blended.
  • Form lamb mixture into 24 meatballs, each about the size of a walnut.
  • In a large skillet, heat ½ tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches, gently turning them at intervals to brown all sides and cook through— about 20 minutes for each batch.
  • Meanwhile, shave zucchini into long ribbons using a vegetable peeler. Lightly toss zucchini with salt and place in a colander to stand for at least 15 minutes.
  • When meatballs are cooked, remove from skillet and keep warm. Stir beef broth into skillet, loosening browned bits from bottom. Add garlic to broth, and heat to simmer; cook until broth is reduced by half.
  • Whisk lemon zest and remaining 1½ tablespoons oil into reduced broth. Add zucchini ribbons, and cook, gently tossing in pan juices, until slightly softened (but not limp), 6 to 8 minutes. To serve, arrange zucchini ribbons on each plate and top with meatballs.