Siniyeh – Meatballs in Tahini

👨‍🍳 Method

For the Meatball mix

1. 1
   Mix the ground meat with the onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt and black pepper until evenly combined.
2. 2
   With wet hands, shape patties the size of golf ball.

   💡Wet hands don't stick to the mixture, and the patties come out smooth and even.
3. 3
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F).

   ⚙ Preheating the OvenOven

   💡Put things in the oven only once it's reached temperature, after the heating light has gone off: an oven that hasn't reached temperature changes baking times, and the bake burns outside or stays underbaked.
4. 4
   Mix the tahini, lemon juice and garlic and season with salt.
5. 5
   Gradually add cold water while stirring, until the sauce is smooth, pale and pourable.

   💡When you add the first water, the tahini thickens and looks like dough: that's fine. Keep adding water and stirring, and it loosens into a smooth sauce.
6. 6
   Pack the meatballs tightly in a shallow baking dish and pour the sauce over them until it covers them completely.

   Baking pan
7. 7
   Bake 40–45 minutes, until the tahini turns golden at the edges and sets.

   ⚙ BakingOvenBaking pan

   💡Check by the cue (until…), not just the clock: every oven bakes a little differently.