I started a series “Arabic cuisine” featuring my traditional food. Today the dish is “Baked Meatballs with Tahini sauce” (kofta bel tahina). Healthy comfort meal, that is fulfilling and nutritous, plus it’s gluten free.
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Most of my posts in this series started with this sentence, “This is mom’s, or dad’s favorite dish“! This series makes me feel like I’m talking to you my friend about my family, what we like to eat, and do. I feel happy that I have a chance to talk all about my traditional food, that reminds me of home everyday (which is far away).
This kofta dish is very popular, maybe more than the kofta I posted before. Mostly, because this one is much easier, it’s baked meatballs which has a very distinctive flavor. Usually, people have it with a side of white rice, or pita bread. Or just by itself, when it has potato mixed with it which is what I did.
✨ Heritage Note
Across the Levant, kofta bel tahina is a classic comfort dish. Every household prepares it slightly differently, but the method is always the same: shape the kofta, layer the vegetables, pour the tahini, and bake until everything comes together in one creamy tray.
Meatballs
I’ve talked more in details about meatballs in this recipe . lots of people avoid meat for many reasons, However, I believe that we can enjoy it in moderate amounts, and mixed with healthy ingredients, like veggies, or healthy fats like tahini. When you mix meat with veggies like this dish, you don’t need to eat lots of meats, and that’s something good for your body.
Meat is high in protein which gives you satiety, and has vitamin B 12 which you can’t find in plants. Also the ratio of essential amino acids is just what your body needs. Choose lean cuts when you can, and have less portions of meat 2- 3 times a week to be on the safe side.
Tahini
Tahini is a staple in my house. I use it for a dip mixed with yogurt for chicken, or to make hummus mainly. But, I see lots of food bloggers are using tahini now, that makes me feel proud, and happy! Moreover, Many of them got creative, and use it beyond savory food, like this tahini cupcake .
Just remember it has good fat, but its till fat. However, too much tahini, will still provide with you calories, and fats, remember just to be cautious. You can find tahini online, if you don’t have a big store nearby, this is the brand I love and trust.
Substitutions
• Use chicken or turkey
Ground chicken or turkey gives a lighter meal. Add a bit of olive oil or grated zucchini to keep it juicy.
• Replace parsley
If you’re out of parsley, cilantro or even a small handful of fresh mint can be used for a different flavor twist.
• Oils you can use
Instead of sunflower oil, use avocado oil, olive oil, or ghee for shallow frying or baking.
• Add vegetables to the dish
You can layer zucchini, eggplant slices, or bell peppers with the meatballs for a more colorful tray.
• Tahini alternatives
If you’re out of tahini (rare but happens!), you can mix yogurt + a teaspoon of peanut butter or almond butter for a similar creamy texture—different flavor, but still delicious.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve with classic sides
White rice, bulgur, or toasted pita bread are the traditional pairings.
• Add a fresh element
A simple Arabic salad, fattoush, or cucumber–yogurt salad balances the richness of the tahini.
• Garnish for extra flavor
Top with toasted pine nuts, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of paprika before serving.
• Make it a fuller meal
Serve it with roasted vegetables or a small bowl of lentil soup for a cozy Middle Eastern dinner.
• Adjust thickness for dipping
If you like the sauce thicker, reduce the water and use the tahini as a dip on the side. If you want it more saucy, thin it out and spoon it over rice.
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If you made this baked meatball dish , I would love to see your creation, please tag me @Nutrizonia on Instagram and Facebook too, and use the hashtag #Nutrizonia
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of beef or lamb?
Yes, ground chicken works, but the texture becomes lighter and slightly drier. If you use chicken, add a teaspoon of olive oil or a bit of grated zucchini to keep it moist.
Why did my tahini sauce become too thick?
Tahini naturally thickens when heated. Simply whisk in more warm water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I skip frying the potatoes?
Yes. You can bake the potato slices directly in the oven, but frying them halfway gives the classic Middle Eastern flavor.
How do I stop the meatballs from falling apart?
Make sure the parsley and onion are very finely processed so the mixture becomes like a soft dough. This helps bind the meat naturally without eggs.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble everything, refrigerate it, and bake it later. The tahini sauce may thicken slightly in the fridge—just thin it with a splash of water before baking.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure the spices contain no additives.
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Baked Meatballs with Tahini Sauce
Ingredients
- For the tahini sauce:
- 8 Tb of Tahini
- Juice of 1 medium (or more if desired)
- 2 medium roma Tomato
- 1 medium Potato
- 10 Tb Water
- Spices , salt, ground black pepper, cumin
- Meat balls:
- 1/2 small onion
- 1/2 cup of parsley
- 1/2 lb of ground beef/lamb
- 2 tsp of seven spices
Instructions
- In a food processor, add onion, and parsley, and minced them really well.
- Add meat, spices and mix them with the onion and parsley until the meat becomes like a dough.
- Shape the meat into balls, and arrange them in a baking dish.
- Cut the tomato into circles and put beside meatballs.
- Now peel the potato and cut into thin circles.
- Heat a skillet on medium to high heat, add sunflower oil enough for shallow frying.
- Fry the potato half way only, and add it to meatballs in the baking dish.
- Mix tahini and water, lemon juice and spices to desired consistency, keep it thin, because it will thicken in the oven.
- Put it into the oven on 375f for 30 minutes, then another 10 minutes on 400F.
- You can broil it too for 2 minutes or so if you like.
- Serve it hot, and refrigerate any leftovers
Have you ever tried meatballs with tahini? Would you try it?
If you like this meatball recipe , you may like
Meatballs Stew with Carrot and Peas
