Middle Eastern Meatballs with Herbed Couscous

Capture delicate flavors of the Middle East with this 15-minute meal. The mixture of cinnamon, cumin and raisins flavors the meatballs. A cucumber and yogurt sauce adds a cool and refreshing finish.

Israeli couscous is larger than regular couscous. It is a type of pasta and adds a crunchy texture to the Herbed Couscous side dish. Fresh mint and tomatoes add more flavor and color.

Helpful Hints

n Israeli couscous is also called pearl or Jerusalem couscous.

n An easy way to turn the meatballs over while cooking, is with a tong or two spoons.

Countdown

n Start couscous.

n While couscous cooks, make meatballs.

n Finish couscous.

Shopping List

To buy: 3/4 pound ground sirloin, 1 package raisins, 1 package frozen chopped onion, 1 bottle ground cinnamon, 1 bottle ground cumin, 1 bunch parsley (optional), 1 bunch fresh mint, 1 carton plain yogurt, 1 cucumber, 1 tomato, 1 package Israeli couscous.

Staples: olive oil, egg, salt and black peppercorns.