The old trope “two Jews, three opinions” does not apply to meatballs. A love of meatballs is the great Jewish unifier, with treasured recipes hailing from communities all over the world – from Syria to Russia, Persia to the good old US-of-A.
I’ve rounded up The Nosher’s 13 best Jewish meatball recipes to deliver you a spherical dish for every mood. We have meatballs of every size; chicken ‘balls, beef ‘balls and lamb ‘balls; summer ‘balls and winter ‘balls. There is truly something here for everyone (except if you’re vegetarian, in which case, allow me to introduce you to these meatball-adjacent leek patties).
So dampen those palms, turn on your stove and get ready to roll.
1. Tefteli (Russian Meatballs)
Simple, generous meatballs, just like grandma used to make. Bonus: Bulked-up with rice, rather than breadcrumbs, tefteli are naturally gluten-free.
2. Meatballs with Tahini and Tomatoes
These decidedly summer-y meatballs are smothered in tahini, topped with fresh tomatoes, then broiled until sizzling and golden. Enjoy over couscous or with a chopped salad al fresco.
3. Sheet Pan Lamb Meatballs and Veggies
Spiced and citrusy, ready in under an hour and requiring minimal washing up, these are the perfect mid-week meatballs.
4. Cocktail Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Classic North American sweet-and-sour meatballs, served cocktail-party-style on toothpicks.
5. Harissa Lamb Meatballs
Rich, herby lamb meatballs are perfectly balanced by a spicy tomato sauce hero-ing North African harissa.
6. Keftes (Syrian Meatballs in Tamarind Sauce)
Fragrant with baharat with a gentle kick from Aleppo pepper, these sweet, tangy meatballs are completely craveable.
7. Tomato Noodle Soup with Kibbeh (Meatballs)
Spaghetti and meatballs, but make it soup-y.
8. Iraqi Apricot Meatballs
Tender, sweet-and-sour meatballs with a 2,000-year-old history. The sunny dried apricots in the sauce and quick cook time (less sweating over the stove) make them ideal for hot days.
9. Gondi (Persian Chicken Soup with Chicken Meatballs)
Meatballs don’t have to leave you groaning on the couch; they can be elegant and light. In this Persian Jewish dish, melt-in-the-mouth chicken meatballs bathe in a fragrant, golden broth.
10. Shakshuka with Lamb Meatballs and Spinach
Spiced lamb meatballs and fresh spinach meet shakshuka for a weeknight one-pot wonder.
11. Syrian Meatballs in Cherry Sauce
Kids and adults alike will love this simplified take on iconic Syrian kibbeh cherry. We recommend keeping a batch or two in your freezer for emergencies.
12. Koofteh (Persian Meatballs) in Tomato-Turmeric Broth
Fall-apart, herbaceous meatballs bound together with rice and split peas and simmered in an aromatic broth. Transcendent.
13. Chicken Fricassee with Meatballs
There are really no rules when it comes to fricassee, but this deliciously chaotic collection of chicken parts, meatballs and vegetables is the ultimate nostalgic comfort dish.
