Spicy Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs recipe

Spicy Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs

by Diana Opoti (@dianaopotieats)
Prep Time
40min
Cook Time
35min
Total Time
1hr 15min

A flavorful dish of spiced lamb meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Ingredients

3 Servings
(1 serving = approximately 4 meatballs with sauce)

For the Meatballs

  • 350g
    lamb mince
  • 2
    egg yolks
  • 2tbsp
    panko breadcrumbs
  • 1
    large yellow onion, grated
  • 1tsp
    cumin powder
  • 1tsp
    paprika powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 2tbsp
    olive oil
  • 2tbsp
    chopped coriander

For the Tomato Sauce

  • 4
    medium-sized tomatoes, grated
  • 1
    onion, chopped
  • 3clove
    garlic, grated
  • 1tsp
    grated ginger
  • 1tsp
    cumin powder
  • 1
    cinnamon stick
  • 2tbsp
    oil

How to make Spicy Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs

Make the Meatballs

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine lamb mince, egg yolks, breadcrumbs, grated onion, cumin powder, paprika, salt, and chopped coriander. Mix thoroughly.

    Step 1.1: In a mixing bowl, combine lamb mince, egg yolks, breadcrumbs, grated onion, cumin powder, paprika, salt, and chopped coriander
  2. Allow the mixture to marinate for 30 minutes.

  3. Shape the mixture into 12 meatballs.

    Step 1.1: Shape the mixture into 12 meatballs
  4. Heat olive oil in a pan and shallow fry the meatballs until browned on all sides.

    Step 1.1: Heat olive oil in a pan and shallow fry the meatballs until browned on all sides
  5. Transfer to a preheated oven and bake at 200°C for 10 minutes.

Cook the Sauce and Combine

  1. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

  2. Stir in grated tomatoes, garlic, and ginger. Cook until softened.

  3. Blend the cooked mixture into a puree and return it to the pan.

  4. Add cumin powder and a cinnamon stick. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 5 minutes.

    Step 2.1: Add cumin powder and a cinnamon stick
  5. Gently place the meatballs in the sauce and spoon the sauce over them to coat.

    Step 2.1: Gently place the meatballs in the sauce and spoon the sauce over them to coat
  6. Cover the pan and simmer for 10 minutes.

  7. Serve with turmeric rice and a dollop of Greek yogurt (optional) for a complete meal.

Tips & Tricks

  1. For extra flavor, let the meatball mixture marinate longer if time permits.