Lebanese Asabi with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 package of spring roll wrappers 1 package of spring roll wrappers
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the yogurt sauce: For the yogurt sauce:
• 1 cup Greek yogurt 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove of garlic, minced 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 18g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped parsley and mint to the meat mixture and mix again to combine.
3. 3.
   Take a spring roll wrapper and place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center. Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling and roll it tightly, sealing the edges with a bit of water.
4. 4.
   Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium heat. Fry the Asabi in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. 6.
   In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt to make the yogurt sauce.
7. 7.
   Serve the Asabi hot with the yogurt sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. Make sure to cook it thoroughly to ensure food safety.
• Spring roll wrappers — Keep the wrappers covered with a damp cloth while working with them to prevent them from drying out.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
• Serve the Asabi with a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of freshness.
• If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the Asabi in the oven instead of frying them. Brush them with a little oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) until golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the Asabi as an appetizer or a main course. They pair well with a fresh salad or a side of tabbouleh.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Asabi on a platter and drizzle the yogurt sauce over them. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and mint for a vibrant and appetizing presentation.