Lavender Barbeque Sauce Meatballs

Lavender Barbeque Sauce Meatballs are juicy meatballs with BBQ sauce infused with a subtle touch of lavender. This recipe combines sweet and smoky flavours with a gentle herbal note, creating meatballs with lavender sauce that are unique yet well-balanced.

Hey folks, today I’m sharing a comforting and flavourful dish with a small twist that makes it stand out. It’s rich, savoury, and just slightly aromatic in a way that feels interesting without being overwhelming. So, let’s dive into these Lavender BBQ Meatballs.

Why You’ll Love These Lavender Barbeque Sauce Meatballs

• Juicy and tender: Soft texture with a nice seared crust.
• Sweet and smoky: Classic BBQ flavour with depth.
• Subtle herbal note: Lavender enhances without dominating.
• Versatile: Works as a main or appetizer.
• Unique but approachable: A twist on familiar comfort food.

Flavour and Texture Profile

These meatballs are tender and juicy with a slightly crisp exterior from searing. The BBQ sauce is rich, sweet, and smoky, while lavender adds a soft herbal aroma that blends into the sauce. Rather than tasting floral, the lavender behaves like a background herb, adding complexity and a slightly refined finish.

Does Lavender Work in Savoury Meat Dishes?

Lavender can work surprisingly well in savoury meat dishes when used carefully. In small amounts, it behaves like a delicate herb rather than a floral ingredient. It pairs wonderfully with:

• Chickpeas: Lavender Tomato Chickpea Spread
• Pasta: Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Prosciutto and Mozzarella
• Tomatoes: Tomato Gazpacho with Lavender
• Potatoes: Lavender Roasted Potatoes – Herb-Infused Roast
• Couscous: Couscous Salad with Almonds, Cherries, and Lavender, and many more!

In these meatballs with BBQ sauce, lavender complements smoky, sweet, and savoury flavours, enhancing the overall aroma without becoming overpowering.

Ingredients You’ll Need for These Barbeque Sauce Meatballs with Lavender

It’s easy to make these meatballs with BBQ sauce using simple ingredients:

• Ground beef: The base for juicy and flavourful meatballs.
• Lavender: Adds a subtle herbal note; use sparingly.
• Herbs de Provence or Italian herbs: Enhance the aromatic profile.
• Spices: Smoked paprika and chipotle add warmth and depth.
• Egg: Helps bind the mixture.
• Polenta (cornmeal): Adds structure and a slightly lighter texture.
• BBQ sauce: Provides the sweet and smoky base.
• Water: Adjusts sauce consistency.

Possible Additions and Variations

Although this recipe is already delicious, you can customize it:

• Use pork or mixed meat: For a richer flavour.
• Add garlic or onion: For extra savoury depth.
• Spicier version: Increase chipotle or add chili flakes.
• Different BBQ sauces: Try smoky, honey, or spicy versions.
• Bake instead of fry: For a lighter option.

How to Use Lavender in Savoury Sauces

• Use culinary lavender only.
• Mince finely for even distribution.
• Start with a small amount.
• Combine with strong flavours like BBQ sauce.

What to Serve with Lavender Barbeque Sauce Meatballs

• Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes.
• Rice or couscous.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables.

I’d love for you to try these Barbeque Sauce Meatballs with Lavender. If you give it a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts.

Cheers!

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Lavender Barbeque Sauce Meatballs

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Mains and Comfort Dishes

These Lavender Barbeque Sauce Meatballs are luscious, subtly sweet, smoky, herbaceous, and utterly delicious. You can easily enjoy them as a main course or cocktail meatballs.

The recipe adapted from the book “The Art of Cooking with Lavender” by Nancy Baggett

Servings

4o

meatballs

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• Meatballs:

• 2 lb. lean ground beef

• 1/2 tbsp. dried lavender buds, finely minced

• 1 tbsp. Herbs de Provence or Italian herbs

• 1 tsp. smoked paprika

• 1/4 tsp. chipotle powder

• pinch of black pepper

• 1/2 tbsp. onion and garlic powder (not salt), each

• ~ 1/2 tbsp. salt

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten with a fork

• about 2 tbsp. instant polenta (cornmeal)

• 2-3 tbsp. oil (for frying)

• BBQ Sauce:

• 1 jar (about 400 gr.) good quality BBQ Sauce (I recommend sweet and smoky)

• 1/2 to 2/3 cup water

• 1/4 tbsp. dried lavender buds, finely minced

Directions

• In a small bowl combine the egg with herbs and spices, until combined.
• Place the ground beef in a large bowl along with the polenta. Add the egg mixture and mix with your hands or wooden spoon until evenly blender. Do not overmix as the meatballs could turn dense – 30-40 seconds should be enough.
• Shape the mixture into meatballs (~ 1 inch or as desired). Depending on the size, you should get about 40 meatballs.
• Heat the oil in a pan cook the meatballs over high medium heat, in few batches, moving them, until nicely seared from all sides, for about 5 minutes per batch. Remove and transfer to a plate and cook with the remaining.
• For the BBQ sauce, in a large pot combine the BBQ sauce, lavender, and water. Cook over medium heat, 2-3 minutes, to combine. Then add the seared meatballs, cover, and summer, occasionally mixing delicately, for about 15 minutes.
• Serve with potatoes, mash potatoes, or vegetables as the main course or as an appetizer. Enjoy!