Lamb Meatballs with Lemon Broth and Spring Greens

Recipe by 

"Homemade"

Prep Time

20 MIn

Cook Time

25 MIN

Total Time

45 MIN

Servings

4

lamb loin chops with cucumber mint salad and sweet and smoky tahini

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground lamb
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
  • 2 scallions, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios (unsalted, shelled)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • Avocado Oil, for cooking (or another high heat oil)

For the Broth:

  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 bunch Swiss chard or kale, stems removed, leaves chopped
  • 1 cup peas (frozen is fine)
  • Extra parsley and lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

1. Mix and shape the meatballs:
In a medium bowl, combine the American lamb, garlic, parsley, scallions, pistachios, cumin, red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

Roll into small meatballs, about 11⁄2 inches wide (you’ll get around 16).

2. Brown the meatballs:
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Brown the meatballs in batches until golden on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total. They don’t need to be fully cooked—just browned. Set aside on a plate.

3. Make the broth:
In the same pan, add another drizzle of olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion with a pinch of salt until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add garlic and coriander and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer, and scrape up any browned bits.

Stir in the lemon zest and juice, and season to taste.

4. Simmer it all together:
Return the meatballs to the pan and simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, until just cooked through.

Add the chopped greens and peas in the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, just until wilted and bright.

5. Serve:
Spoon the meatballs and broth over a bed of cooked rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa—whatever fits your mood.

Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and extra lemon juice to taste.

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

lamb meatballs with lemon broth
lamb meatballs with lemon broth
thermometer timer illustration

How to Cook American Lamb

Visit our Lamb Cooking Time & Temperature page for recipe inspiration and tips on preparing the perfect lamb.
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