Jan 24, 2018

Cumin Lamb Meatballs and Mediterranean Sides


 Y'all, this is one of my favorite meals.

Lamb meatballs, homemade tzatki sauce, garlic naan, and either roasted cauliflower in the cooler months, or Israeli salad in the warmer.  It's easily adaptable for various dietary restrictions, and a wonderful meal to bring to friends who need a meal.




First, for the roasted cauliflower, I simply core and break apart a large head of cauliflower.  Toss with a couple tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped Italian Parsley.  Bake at 425 degrees for 35 minutes.


Now for Melissa Clark's divine Cumin Lamb Meatballs from her New York Times column:

Ingredients:
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 ¼ teaspoons coarse kosher salt, plus a pinch
1 pound ground lamb
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
           Black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon chile powder
1 scallion, minced
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

  1. Heat broiler with an oven rack placed 3 inches below heat source.
  2. Using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a knife, make a paste with garlic and a pinch of salt. Put half the garlic paste (save the rest for our tzatziki or yogurt tahini sauce) in a large bowl and add lamb, 1 teaspoon of the salt, cumin, hot sauce, pepper, chile powder, scallion and 1 tablespoon parsley. Mix to combine.
  3. Shape lamb mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place on an oiled rimmed baking sheet. Make sure meatballs are spaced at least 1 inch apart. Transfer baking sheet to oven and broil meatballs for 8 to 10 minutes, or until browned on top and slightly pink on the inside.
  4. I double this recipe for our crew, plus the leftovers are fantastic. You can use any ground meat you prefer, but the lamb is really excellent.  If you follow the link, it also includes a recipe for yogurt tahini sauce.
  5. As for tzatziki I use whatever combination of whole milk Greek yogurt, dill, cucumber and garlic I have on hand.  Sliced cucumbers, some olives, and warm naan? Done and done!!



4 comments:

  1. This looks divine! There is a place here called Kairos that is like a Moe's but for Greek food, that has really sparked my interest in Greek dishes. I will for sure be making this.

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  2. Always love your cooking suggestions! Thank you :)

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