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–+ servings

Easy Lamb Meatballs with Couscous & Pickled Onions for Two One-Pot Recipe

This flavorful one-pot recipe features tender lamb meatballs infused with garam masala, served with fluffy couscous and tangy pickled onions.
Made in an Instant Pot, it’s a quick and convenient dish that delivers bold flavors with minimal cleanup.
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Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 2

Equipment

  • Instant Pot (or electric pressure cooker)

Ingredients
  

For the Tahini Sauce (Optional):

  • 3 tablespoons plain whole-milk yogurt plus extra for serving

For the Meatballs:

  • 1½ tablespoons panko bread crumbs
  • 8 ounces ground lamb or substitute 85% lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¾ teaspoon garam masala
  • ¼ teaspoon table salt

For the Cooking Liquid & Couscous:

  • 1½ teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ onion chopped fine
  • ¼ teaspoon table salt
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • ¾ cup chicken broth plus extra as needed
  • ½ cup couscous
  • 2 tablespoons dried currants

For Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons chopped toasted pistachios
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ cup Quick Pickled Onions

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatballs:

  • In a bowl, mash yogurt and panko together to form a paste. Add ground lamb, 1 tablespoon cilantro, ¾ teaspoon garam masala, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Knead with hands until thoroughly combined. Roll mixture into 1½-inch meatballs.

Cook the Aromatics:

  • Using the highest sauté or browning function on the Instant Pot, heat oil until shimmering. Add chopped onion and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the remaining ½ teaspoon garam masala and cook until fragrant (30 seconds).

Pressure Cook the Meatballs:

  • Stir in ¾ cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Place meatballs in the pot. Lock lid in place and set to high-pressure cooking for 1 minute, then perform a quick release.

Cook the Couscous:

  • Carefully remove the lid, letting steam escape away from you. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meatballs to a plate and tent with foil. Ensure there is 1 cup of cooking liquid remaining in the pot, adding extra broth if needed.
  • Using the sauté function, bring the liquid to a simmer. Stir in couscous and currants, turn off the pressure cooker, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes. Fluff couscous with a fork.

Assemble and Serve:

  • Divide couscous between plates and arrange meatballs on top. Garnish with pistachios, the remaining 1 tablespoon cilantro, and pickled onions. Serve with extra yogurt on the side.
Keyword easy couscous recipe, Instant Pot lamb recipe, Instant Pot one-pot recipes, lamb meatballs with pickled onions, one-pot lamb meatballs, quick dinner ideas, weeknight one-pot meals
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