Spicy Lamb Meatballs with Herbed Yogurt Dipping Sauce
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Recipe Provided By
American Lamb BoardServings
12
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1-1/2 cups sweet onions, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons Moroccan Spice Blend, divided (recipe follows)
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1-3/4 pounds ground American Lamb
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- Shredded lettuce or scallion greens for plating
- 2 cups Spicy Yogurt Dipping Sauce (recipe follows)
Moroccan Spice Blend (1/4 cup):
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1-1/2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
Spicy Yogurt Dipping Sauce (2 cups):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon mashed roasted garlic
- 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
- 1 cup plain Greek-style low fat yogurt
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; add onions and sauté 3 to 4 minutes until onions are golden brown. Stir in garlic; continue to cook 1 minute. Mix in 3 tablespoons Moroccan Spice Blend; continue to cook another 1 minute. Remove from heat; cool to room temperature.
In a bowl, mix cooled onion mixture with bread crumbs, eggs, salt and orange zest. Mix in lamb; gently toss to incorporate well. Form into 36 1-ounce meatballs (a heaping 1 tablespoon). Place evenly spread onto a parchment-covered baking sheet.
Bake at 325°F for 30 minutes, turning at least once, or until meatballs are cooked through; remove from heat.
For Moroccan Spice Blend: In a dry skillet, add cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, black pepper and red pepper. Cook over a low heat for several minutes until mixture begins to lightly smoke. Remove from heat; cool. Place in a covered container; hold until ready to use.
For Herbed Yogurt Dipping Sauce: In a small food processor, pulse together mayonnaise, chives, parsley, garlic and mustard until fairly smooth. Place in a bowl; whisk in yogurt, vinegar, salt and pepper. Cover; refrigerate.
To serve: In a saucepan, heat soy sauce, honey, cilantro, Sriracha and 1 tablespoon Moroccan Spice Blend; bring to a simmer. Add cooked meatballs; simmer, stirring gently until coated. Keep warm. Serve hot accompanied by Herbed Yogurt Dipping Sauce, if desired.
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
