(25) Pistachio Meatballs @ Zare at Fly Trap

These are the most decadent and exotic meatballs everrrr. They are soaked in red harissa and red wine, then drizzled with honey, then sprinkled with pomegranate seeds, and garnished with crushed pistachios. Give. Me. A. Break. The red harissa adds a little heat/spice due to it's the chili peppers, paprika, olive oil, and garlic. The honey adds a sticky sweetness and the crushed pistachios add a rich nuttiness that cuts through the acidity of the puckering tart pomegranate juices. Just look at that beautiful little trio of meatballs? Be greedy and don't share this appetizer with others...

Pistachio Meatballs @ Zare at Fly Trap. Photo credit: Kendra Aronson.

Pistachio Meatballs @ Zare at Fly Trap ($13)
606 Folsom Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
415.243.0580
Monday - Thursday > 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday - Saturday > 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday > closed

PISTACHIO MEATBALLS (via 7x7)

Makes 5 servings

2 eggs

2 pounds ground beef

2 tablespoon harissa, divided   

1 large onion, finely pureed 

1 cup finely chopped pistachios, plus extra for garnish 

1/4 cup bread crumbs

1/4 cup lime juice

1/2 cup chopped tarragon 

1/4 cup chopped rosemary

1/2 cup chopped summer savory

1 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups pomegranate concentrate

1 cup honey

1 cup red wine, preferably shiraz or zinfandel

1 teaspoon chili flakes  

2 tablespoons whole grain mustard

Pomegranate seeds for garnish

1. Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Place eggs and meat in a large bowl and incorporate. In another bowl, mix half of the harissa, onion, pistachios, bread crumbs, lime juice, tarragon, rosemary, savory, parsley, cumin, and salt and pepper. Incorporate this into the meat mixture by kneading well with your hands for 2 minutes.

3. Form meat mixture into 15 balls and place on baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, rotating halfway through the cooking time.

4. As the meatballs cook, make the glaze by mixing the remaining harissa, pomegranate concentrate, honey, wine, and chili flakes in a saucepot over high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring. Reduce heat and simmer until glaze is reduced by half. Add the mustard.

5. In a frying pan with a deep lip, place one-third of the sauce. Add five meatballs, and toss with the glaze for 2 minutes over medium heat. Continue incorporating glaze with remaining meatballs in this fashion until all 15 meatballs are glazed. Place on a serving dish, garnish with finely chopped pistachios and pomegranate seeds, and serve.