Servings
2-3

Ingredients
Lamb Meatballs
Yield: 10 meatballs
- 1 pound ground American lamb shoulder
- 1 yellow onion, grated
- 1 cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 cup mint, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 3 tablespoons kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- Ground cayenne
Charred Date-Black Vinegar Sauce
Yield: 2 cups
- 1/2 pound pitted medjool dates
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup black vinegar
- 1/4 cup shio koji
Coconut Spinach
Yield: 4 cups
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, sliced
- 13 1/2 ounces coconut milk
- 2 pounds spinach
- 1 tablespoon chopped Urfa chile
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- Shio koji
Directions
For the Lamb Meatballs:
In a mixing bowl, add American lamb, onion, herbs, paprika, salt, onion powder, cumin, and pepper. Season with desired amount cayenne. Using gloved hands, mix until well combined. Set aside.
For the Charred Date-Black Vinegar Sauce:
In a cast iron pan over medium-high heat, add dates and char until a dark crust forms on all sides. Transfer dates to a blender and add all remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
For the Coconut Spinach:
In a sauté pan over low flame, heat oil. Add onions and garlic and cook until alliums are soft and translucent.
Add coconut milk and continue to cook until liquid is reduced by half. Add spinach, chile, and salt. Season with shio koji. Cook until spinach is wilted and chile is softened. Transfer mixture to a bowl set over an ice bath and let cool.
Once cooled, transfer half of the mixture to a blender and purée until smooth. Stir blended spinach back into the cooled spinach and set aside.
To Assemble and Serve:
In a saucepot over low heat, warm 1/2 cup Coconut Spinach. Prepare and heat a grill to low heat. Add 2 Lamb Meatballs and cook until desired doneness is achieved. Let cool. Spoon Coconut Spinach onto a serving plate.
Top with Lamb Meatballs followed by 2 tablespoons Charred Date-Black Vinegar Sauce.
USDA recommends the following time and temperature parameters
Ground Lamb
Internal temperature of 160°F
All Other Cuts
Internal temperature of 145°F, with a 3 minute rest






