These spicy and tangy couscous and hazelnut balls are so great in a pita or with a big bowl of salad and they make a beautiful snack. They are filling, nutty and very very very delicious!
The inspiration for this dish comes from my dearest turkish friend. She used to make us some kind of bulgur balls with tomato and chili paste, fresh herbs and onion. That was just the best snack ever, but I forgot about them somehow. Then last week or so I wanted to quickly buy some falafel in a pita between two appointments when I noticed they have a new vegan food called Chee Köfte, so I had to try that one. Chee Köfte is made out of nuts, bulgur and tomato puree and has an absolutely indescribable shape. It reminded me so much of those balls my friend makes I had to create something similar at home too. This recipe is definitely not an authentic one, so don’t expect anything like that, but it’s very delicious. Like dangerously. To be honest all these couscous and hazelnut balls vanished in a few hours….who knows what happened…
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Couscous and Hazelnut Balls
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup of couscous
- 1/2 cup of ground hazelnut (or almond)
- 1 lemon, juice
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 red onion
- 1/2 cup of tomato purée
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 1 small chili
- bunch of herbs (I used cilantro, mint, parsley and basil)
- 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses (optional)
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- salt, pepper, chili
Instructions
- Add couscous to a big bowl and pour over just enough boiling water to cover and allow to stand for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile deseed chili, chop onion, chili, garlic and herbs finely and add to the couscous together with every ingredients.
- Using your hands mix everything well together and form into balls. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
Well these sound like the most delicious little morsels!
Thank you, Hannah! 🙂
These couscous and hazelnut balls are just stunning, love all the ingredients from couscous to tahini, everything is to my taste! 🙂 I mean anything with tahini is a winner! Your pictures makes me want to grab some of these. They look so delicious, I’m getting hungry right now! 🙂
Thank you so much, Florian!
I feel the same, anything with tahini is just crazily delicious 🙂
These look amazing… I was drooling the moment you posted them to Instagram. LOVE IT!
Thanks, Alison ❤️
that was our dinner yesterday and it was delicious! ate it with romaine lettuce, tomato slices and sriracha. thanks for the idea, my kids loved it (without sriracha, of course)!
I am so happy to hear that 🙂
Hi Evi! These little balls look amazing. Even if I am familiar with Middle-East cuisine, I’ve never had balls made of couscous. Really intriguing to me… Will definitely give them a try !!
Thank you, Majda!!!
Let me know if you liked them 😉