Embark on a culinary journey through the sun-drenched landscapes of the Mediterranean with this irresistible spaghetti dish. Imagine tender, perfectly grilled lamb meatballs nestled on a bed of al dente pasta, accompanied by charred zucchini rounds and crumbled feta cheese. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a rustic Greek taverna with every single bite.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti: 160g (6 oz)
- Ground lamb: 250g (9 oz), formed into 6 meatballs
- Zucchini: 1 piece, sliced into thick rounds
- Fresh mint: 8 leaves, whole (for garnish)
- Feta cheese: 30g (1 oz), crumbled
- Garlic: 1 small clove, finely minced
- Ground cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
- Liquid honey: 1 teaspoon
- Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
- Fine salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: A pinch
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Lamb Meatballs
- Mix ground lamb with minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper
- Form 6 evenly sized meatballs
- Heat a grill pan or cast-iron skillet
- Grill meatballs over medium-high heat for 8 minutes, turning to mark each side
2. Grill the Zucchini
- Slice zucchini into 1 cm thick rounds
- Brush with olive oil and lightly salt
- Grill on a hot, dry pan for 2-3 minutes per side
- Set aside
3. Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil salted water in a large pot
- Cook spaghetti for about 9 minutes until al dente
- Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil
4. Prepare the Coating Sauce
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small saucepan
- Add tomato paste, honey, a pinch of cumin
- Mix with 3 tablespoons of pasta cooking water
- Simmer and adjust seasoning for 2 minutes
5. Plate and Serve
- Create small pasta nests in plates
- Drizzle with prepared sauce
- Place 3 lamb meatballs per plate
- Alternate with grilled zucchini
- Sprinkle crumbled feta
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves
Cooking Details
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 2 people
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 25g
Why This Recipe is Nutritionally Brilliant
This Mediterranean-inspired dish offers:
- High-quality protein from lamb
- Complex carbohydrates from pasta
- Vegetables providing essential nutrients
- Healthy fats from olive oil and feta
- Antioxidant-rich herbs and spices
Pro Tips
- Prepare meatballs in advance and refrigerate
- Meatballs can be frozen after cooking for future meals
- Substitute lamb with ground beef or mashed chickpeas for a vegetarian version
Bon appétit! 🍝🇬🇷