I called these ‘Indian Inspired Spiced Meatballs’ because they really are just that – meatballs flavoured with typical Indian spices. I am not sure if these are ‘purely’ Indian and nor can I guarantee that my spice proportions are authentically accurate – they sure taste great though. These are so easy to make – I had them ready in just over half an hour. I plan to eat them with some rice and a cucumber & mint raita.

I don’t often make meatballs, but after tonight’s experiment I can’t wait to try out other variations and recipes.

For these Indian Inspired Spiced Meatballs, you will need:

750 grams of minced meat (any will do – any fat content as well depending on how you are feeling that day..).

2 teaspoons of ground turmeric.

3 heaped teaspoons of cumin powder.

3 heaped teaspoons of coriander powder.

4 heaped teaspoons of garam masala.

4 tablespoons of cold water mixed with-

-1 heaped teaspoon of sea salt flakes.

1 large carrot, grated.

2 teaspoons of sugar.

3 cloves of garlic, minced.

1 knob of fresh ginger, minced.

1 onion, finely chopped and sauteed in a few tablespoons of oil.

Method

– Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

– Finely chop the onions and sautee them in a few tablespoons of oil until translucent – they should be at the early stages of browning when they are done.

– Add the onions and the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.

* I do recommend you microwave a teaspoon full of the meat mix and taste it – adjust as necessary.

– Once you are finished, roll the mince mix into balls and place them on a baking tray spreading them evenly apart. To make the balls, I usually just grab a small lot of the mix in my left hand and create a tight loop with my index finger and thumb. I then force the meat in my hand through the loop with my other fingers, scooping it out at the end with a spoon. It usually comes out quite nicely.

– Bake for 15 – 20 mins or until they start to turn dark brown at the edges.

– This makes about 20 generous sized meatballs.

– Serve as I do with rice and a cool cucumber and mint raita.

Enjoy!