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."
Table Of Contents
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.
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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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Yes, you can use ground beef instead of the lamb. You should add an egg to the meatball mixture if you do this.
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.
No, cooking or browning the meatballs beforehand is not necessary.
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!
Slow Cooker Lamb Meatballs (Kebab Hindi)
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.
- slow cooker
- mixing bowls
- 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)
In a large mixing bowl, combine [wprm-ingredient text="1 lb ground lamb" uid="11"], [wprm-ingredient text="¼ cup pine nuts" uid="12"], [wprm-ingredient text="1 teaspoon allspice" uid="13"], 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 [wprm-ingredient text="3 ½ cups tomato sauce" uid="5"], [wprm-ingredient text="½ cup water" uid="6"], [wprm-ingredient text="2 tablespoon pomegranate molasses" uid="7"], [wprm-ingredient text="1 tablespoon lemon juice" uid="8"], 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 [wprm-ingredient text="2 cups carrots" uid="2"] and [wprm-ingredient text="2 cups baby potatoes" uid="3"]. Gently mix with a wooden spoon and cover.
Serve over rice or noodles.
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.
LaKita says
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!
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says
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!