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Home » Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Kebab Hindi (Lamb Meatballs)

Published: Jun 2, 2023 · Modified: Feb 14, 2024 by Kristina Tipps · This post may contain affiliate links for which I earn a small commission.

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Slow Cooker Kebab Hindi, also known as mini lamb meatballs with potatoes and carrots, is a traditional Syrian dinner recipe known for its sweet sauce and mini seasoned meatballs. This crockpot version is based off of the traditional stovetop recipe my family has made for generations.

"Incredible!! The flavors of the sauce is delicious and the meatballs came out juicy and moist."

close up of slow cooker lamb meatballs and vegetables
Table Of Contents
  • Ingredients
  • Step-By-Step Instructions
  • Chef's Tips
  • How To Serve Slow Cooker Kebab Hindi
  • Recipe FAQs
  • How To Store
  • Recipe
  • Recipe Reviews

It makes a wonderful dinner anytime of the year and special occasions and holidays. Mini lamb meatballs are seasoned with allspice and pine nuts, then cooked along with carrots and potatoes in a sweet tomato sauce flavored with pomegranate molasses. In the slow cooker, lamb meatballs turn out delicately tender and delicious. Kebab hindi is typically served over fragrant basmati saffron rice.

This meal is very simple to prepare, with limited steps and limited ingredients making it perfect for anyone short on time or running low on pantry supplies. It's practically a foolproof recipe for any level home chef. This family recipe is one that I am proud to share with you, to share a piece of my culture for the modern day homecook.

MORE MIDDLE EASTERN RECIPES

  • Instant Pot Lentil Soup
  • Syrian Potato Salad
  • Kibbeh Balls
  • Instant Pot Grape Leaves (Yab-ra')
  • Instant Pot Cabbage Rolls
slow cooker lamb meatballs, potatoes and carrots in a white bowl

Ingredients

  • Ground lamb: you can substitute with ground beef if preferred.
  • Pine nuts
  • Allspice
  • Tomato sauce: plain, unseasoned tomato sauce.
  • Pomegranate molasses: this is a staple ingredient for Middle Eastern recipes. You can find it at global food stores, online or make it at home.
  • Lemon juice: or freshly squeezed lemon.
  • Baby potatoes: waxy potatoes like baby potatoes hold their shape well and are great in casseroles, sauces, and soups.
  • Carrots: fresh carrots diced into little pieces.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Potato?

Waxy potatoes work best because they keep their shape when cooked for long periods of time. Red potatoes, fingerling potatoes, and creamers are waxy potatoes that hold their shape and work well when used in this recipe.

Is There A Substitute For Pomegranate Molasses?

There is no direct substitute for pomegranate molasses. You could use honey and an extra tablespoon of lemon juice, but the flavor will not be equivalent to the flavor when using pomegranate molasses. If you're unable to find pomegranate molasses locally, you can usually find it online. It's also very easy to make it at home!

cooked lamb meatballs, potatoes and carrots in a white bowl

Step-By-Step Instructions

STEP 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground lamb, ¼ cup pine nuts, 1 teaspoon allspice, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix until the ingredients are well combined, adding small amounts of water as necessary so that the mixture sticks together. Roll meatball mixture into one inch mini balls and put into the slow cooker.

lamb meatballs in a crockpot

STEP 2: In another large mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of tomato sauce, ½ cup of water, 2 tablespoons of pomegranate molasses, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and another 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well and pour into the slow cooker over the meatballs.

pomegranate and tomato sauce with lamb meatballs in a crockpot

STEP 3: Set the slow cooker to HIGH for 6 hours or LOW for 8 hours. During the last 2 hours add the diced carrots and diced baby potatoes. Gently mix with a wooden spoon and cover.

cooked lamb meatballs, potatoes and carrots in a slow cooker with sauce

For a traditional meal, serve over saffron basmati rice and vermicelli. Slow cooker lamb meatballs and vegetables can also be served plain or over noodles and other types of grains.

cooked lamb meatballs, potatoes and carrots

Chef's Tips

  • Dice the potatoes and carrots into tiny pieces so they are bite-sized or smaller. They will cook quickly this way. Think of being able to fit some rice, a meatball, potatoes and carrots all on the fork together!
  • Use a digital thermometer to check if the meatballs have reached a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Lamb becomes stickier than beef (if you're used to cooking with ground beef). If you add some water to your fingers when rolling the meatballs, it won't be as sticky and the meatballs will roll smoothly. Keep adding water to your hands as you roll, as many times as necessary.

How To Serve Slow Cooker Kebab Hindi

  • in its traditional form over Syrian basmati rice
  • over noodles, brown rice or white rice
  • over couscous, barley or farro
  • with homemade pita chips and hummus
  • with garlic bread or toasted white bread

Recipe FAQs

Do The Lamb Meatballs Hold Together?

Yes! These lamb meatballs do not need a traditional binder like egg to hold their form. Ground lamb holds its shape much better than ground beef and does not need a binder.

Can I Use Another Type Of Meat?

Yes, you can use ground beef instead of the lamb. You should add an egg to the meatball mixture if you do this.

What Can I Use Instead Of Pomegranate Molasses?

There is no direct substitute for pomegranate molasses. You could use honey and an extra tablespoon of lemon juice, but the flavor will not be equivalent to the flavor when using pomegranate molasses.

Do I Need To Precook The Meatballs?

No, cooking or browning the meatballs beforehand is not necessary.

Can This Meal Be Frozen?

Yes! Slow cooker lamb meatballs and vegetables is a freezer-friendly recipe. It can be frozen for up to 6 months in freezer safe storage bags or containers. Extra sauce can also be frozen separately for use in other recipes.

How To Store

Kebab hindi keeps for about 1 week in the fridge. It can be frozen in freezer-safe bags for up to 6 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.

Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to give it a star rating and let me know what you thought in the comments! And follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for more delicious recipes!

Recipe

slow cooker lamb meatballs, potatoes and carrots in a white bowl

Slow Cooker Lamb Meatballs (Kebab Hindi)

Kristina Tipps
Kebab Hindi is an authentic Syrian family dinner enjoyed for centuries by Middle Eastern families! Mini lamb meatballs are cooked in a sweet tomato sauce with carrots and potatoes, then served over yellow Saffron rice.
5 from 11 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 6 hours hours
Total Time 6 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 6 servings
Calories 356 kcal

Equipment

  • slow cooker
  • 2 mixing bowls

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground lamb
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 2 teaspoon salt divided
  • 3 ½ cups tomato sauce
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 cups carrots diced
  • 2 cups baby potatoes diced

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, ¼ cup pine nuts, 1 teaspoon allspice, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix until ingredients are well combined, adding small amounts of water as necessary so that the mixture sticks together. Roll meatball mixture into one inch mini balls and put into slow cooker.
  • In another large mixing bowl, combine the 3 ½ cups tomato sauce, ½ cup water, 2 tablespoon pomegranate molasses, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Mix well and pour into the slow cooker over the meatballs.
  • Set the slow cooker to high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours.
  • During the last 2 hours add the 2 cups carrots and 2 cups baby potatoes. Gently mix with a wooden spoon and cover.
  • Serve over rice or noodles.

Notes

How To Serve:
  • in its traditional form over Syrian basmati rice
  • over noodles, brown rice or white rice
  • over couscous, barley or farro
  • with homemade pita chips and hummus
  • with garlic bread or toasted white bread
Storing: Kebab hindi keeps for about 1 week in the fridge. It can be frozen in freezer-safe bags for up to 6 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.

Nutrition

Serving: 6ozCalories: 356kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 16gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 1531mgPotassium: 979mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 7751IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 3mg
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Comments

    5 from 11 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. LaKita says

    June 11, 2023 at 7:51 pm

    5 stars
    These lamb meatballs are so tasty, delicious, and flavorful! I love that they're made in the slow cooker, to make things so quick and simple!

    Reply
  2. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says

    June 11, 2023 at 2:13 pm

    5 stars
    It's 100+ temps here in Arizona so I'm all about the slow cooker! These were super easy to make! Everyone loved these and asked for seconds!

    Reply
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