Suez Mezze (Middle East Chicken Balls)
Suez Mezze features flavorful Middle Eastern chicken balls with aromatic spices, perfect as appetizers or party snacks for those who enjoy bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces.
- Put chicken and bread through the fine blade of a food grinder twice or process with a metal blade in a food processor until ground.
- Place ground chicken mixture in a medium bowl; mix in egg yolk, parsley, grated onion, 1/2 tsp. salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and turmeric.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Shape the mixture into balls using 1 rounded teaspoonful of the chicken mixture for each.
- Roll each ball lightly in flour to coat.
- Pour vegetable oil into a 2-quart saucepan to a level of 1 inch and heat to 350°F.
- Fry 6 appetizers at a time in oil until golden, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Drain on paper towel.
- Keep warm in a 200°F oven if desired until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the mixture. If you don't have white sandwich bread, any soft bread can work, but adjust the moisture accordingly. For a healthier version, you can bake the balls instead of frying them, though this may change the texture. Pair these chicken balls with Chili Peach Sauce for a delightful contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chicken balls as a part of a mezze platter alongside hummus, pita bread, and fresh vegetables. They pair beautifully with a refreshing yogurt dip or the Chili Peach Sauce for added zing. For a complete meal, consider serving them with a side of rice or a light salad. Explore more chicken recipes for varied meal ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent them from becoming soggy. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure they are well-wrapped.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Suez Mezze (Middle East Chicken Balls) contains roughly 44 calories, with 2g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (27% 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 use ground chicken instead of whole chicken breast?
Yes, you can use ground chicken to save time. Just ensure it is high-quality to maintain the dish's flavor and texture. If using pre-ground chicken, you might skip the grinding step and directly mix in the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for the egg yolk?
If you need an egg substitute, consider using a flaxseed meal combined with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons water) or a commercial egg replacer. This will help bind the mixture without compromising the flavor.
How can I make these chicken balls spicier?
To add heat, mix in some red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers into the chicken mixture. You can also serve them with a spicier dipping sauce or drizzle with hot sauce before serving for an extra kick.
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).