Meatballs With Onions(Dawood Basha)
Meatballs with tender onions in a flavorful broth, seasoned with cinnamon, pepper, and lemon, perfect for hearty family meals served with rice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put meat through a meat grinder twice.
- Season the ground meat with salt, pepper, and cinnamon, then knead with your hands.
- Shape the seasoned meat into one-inch balls and set aside.
- Brown the meatballs in butter or Crisco, then drain and set aside.
- Peel the small onions and sauté in remaining butter until golden.
- Drain the onions and set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine water, seasoned meatballs, onions, and lemon juice, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes.
- Brown the flour in half a cup of water, stirring constantly.
- Add the dissolved flour to the broth and stir well.
- Crush garlic with dried mint and add to the meat mixture a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with boiled rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a mix of beef and lamb for the meatballs to enhance flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, consider substituting half the butter with olive oil. You can also add herbs like parsley or mint to the meat mixture for added freshness. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can elevate the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs hot over a bed of boiled rice to soak up the flavorful broth. A side of Sautéed Zucchini or a fresh salad pairs nicely, balancing the richness of the dish. For a complete Mediterranean experience, consider serving with warm pita bread or a side of Orzo With Garlic.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop in a covered pan with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatballs With Onions(Dawood Basha) contains roughly 1011 calories, with 65g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (130% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (119% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (105% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1045mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance. Shape them and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can enhance the flavors as they marinate. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if they are chilled.
What type of meat is best for the meatballs?
While beef is commonly used, a combination of beef and lamb offers a richer flavor. Ground turkey or chicken can also be a lean alternative if you're looking for a healthier option. Just ensure the meat is well-seasoned to maintain flavor.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Cook them directly from frozen, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).