Middle Eastern Lamb Meatballs

Anyone who knows me and my love for meatloaf can understand why this recipe really inspired me.  A meatball is basically a meatloaf in a ball form....HOWEVER.....this meatball is unlike any I've ever made because not only is it ground lamb, but the Middle Eastern and Indian flavors used are truly unique!  Finding ground lamb is not always so easy in NYC, so when I came across it in Whole Foods, I knew the meatballs must be made! It was like God shone down on me in the meat aisle and told me my culinary future.....ok, maybe not that dramatic but you have no idea how long I had been searching for this allusive lamb....

Middle Eastern Lamb Meatballs

1 tsp Caraway Seeds

2 tsp Ground Cumin

2 tsp Ground Coriander

1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon

1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper

1.5 lbs Ground Lamb

1/2 Onion, diced

Salt (depending on your tastes)

1/2 cup loosely packed Cilantro, finely chopped

1/2 cup loosely packed Italian Flat Leaf Parsley, finely chopped

1-2 tbsp Siracha (depending on your love of heat)

2 Garlic Cloves finely chopped

1 egg

1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs 

 

> In a small pan, toast your Caraway, Cumin, Coriander, Cinnamon, and Cayenne for about 10 seconds. Remove from heat.

> In a large bowl, add the ground lamb, and make a well in the center.  Pour in your toasted spices, onion, salt, cilantro, parsley, siracha, and garlic and fold together.

> Add in the egg and Panko and stir until it's all combined.

> On a broiling pan sheet, roll the meat into 1 inch balls.  The reason I use the broiling pan sheet is because the top slotted sheet allows for any grease to drip off the meatballs leaving them less greasy and less fat.

> Cook in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.  Remove and flip over, cook for another 10 minutes (or until the insides are no longer pink). Serve hot.

I actually served mine with ketchup, because I was in a rush and didn't have time to make a sauce - however, with the Middle Eastern/Indian ingredients, these meatballs would be great with a Tatziki or even an Indian red sauce like a Tikka Masala.  This recipe is SO delicious, definitely a keeper.  These could be a great appetizer at a party (served with toothpicks if they're made small enough) or as a main course for your meal! ENJOY! :)