Packed with veggies, these spiced meatballs tucked in pita bread and topped with a fresh and tangy herbed buttermilk sauce are perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time
25 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
40 min
Equipment
bowl
whisk or fork
parchment paper or foil
baking sheet
Ingredients
Buttermilk Herb Sauce:
2/3 cup (150 mL) Canadian sour cream
1/2 cup (125 mL) Canadian buttermilk
4 tsp (20 mL) lemon juice
1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped fresh dill or cilantro
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
Meatball Pita:
1/2 cup (125 mL) seasoned dry breadcrumbs
1/3 cup (75 mL) local 2% milk
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp (5 mL) mild curry powder
1 tsp (5 mL) dried thyme
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1/4 tsp (1 mL) cayenne pepper
1/2 cup (125 mL) shredded carrot
1/2 cup (125 mL) shredded zucchini
1 lb (454 g) lean Canadian ground beef, veal or pork
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) thinly sliced cucumber
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) thinly sliced red cabbage
1 cup (250 ml) thinly sliced red onion (optional)
6 to 8 pita breads
Directions
Buttermilk Herb Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, buttermilk, lemon juice, herbs and salt. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
In a large bowl, stir together breadcrumbs and milk. Stir in egg, garlic, curry powder, thyme, salt and cayenne to combine. Stir in carrot and zucchini. Let stand for 5 minutes. Add meat and blend well using your hands until mixture is evenly combined (mixture will be soft).
Using a heaping tablespoon at a time, roll into meatballs and place on prepared sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until browned and no longer pink inside and thermometer inserted in centre reaches 165°F (74°C).
Divide cucumber, cabbage and red onion (if using) among pita breads and top with meatballs. Drizzle generously with Buttermilk Herb Sauce to serve.