Easy Adana Meatballs with Harissa Tomato Sauce
Spiced meatballs in a rich harissa tomato sauce, finished with crunchy spiced nuts
These Easy Adana Meatballs are bold, warming and full of deep, rich flavour. Made with minced beef or lamb, gently spiced with OEA Adana Blend, then fried until golden before being simmered in a smoky harissa tomato sauce, this dish is simple but seriously satisfying.
The sauce reduces down to something rich and intense, coating the meatballs beautifully, while a finishing sprinkle of crushed OEA Berber Spiced Nuts adds crunch, warmth and texture.
Finished with fresh parsley, this dish is perfect for mezze spreads, tapas-style dining or an easy midweek dinner.
Comforting, vibrant and packed with flavour — the OEA way.
Easy Adana Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 500g minced beef or lamb
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tsp OEA Adana Blend
- Extra virgin olive oil, for frying
For the Sauce
- 1 tbsp OEA Harissa
- 1 large jar passata
To Finish
- OEA Berber Spiced Nuts, crushed
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Method
- In a bowl, combine the minced meat with the finely chopped red onion, garlic and OEA Adana Blend. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Shape into small meatballs.
- Heat a splash of extra virgin olive oil in a frying pan and fry the meatballs over medium heat until browned all over.
- Add the OEA Harissa and stir to coat the meatballs, then pour in the passata.
- Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce until thick, rich and coating the meatballs.
To Serve
Serve the meatballs hot, spooned into a bowl with plenty of sauce.
Finish with a generous sprinkle of crushed OEA Berber Spiced Nuts and fresh parsley.
Perfect as part of a mezze spread, tapas-style dining or served with warm bread to soak up the sauce.
Why It Works
The Adana Blend brings warmth and spice to the meatballs, while frying them first builds depth of flavour. Simmering in passata with harissa creates a rich, slightly smoky sauce that clings to every bite.
The Berber spiced nuts add crunch and aromatic spice, lifting the dish with texture and contrast, while fresh parsley brings brightness to balance the richness.
Ease, Timing & Servings
Ease: Easy – simple mixing, frying and simmering
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 3–4 as part of a mezze spread, 2 as a main with rice and salad or bread for mopping.
