Chile-Cumin Lamb Meatballs With Yogurt And Cucumber

Serves: 2

Clair Leannon

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

48

Spice

54

Sweetness

54

Sourness

45

mins

Prep time (avg)

5.6

Difficulty

Ingredients:

1 tbsp

Cumin Seed

1.5 tbsps

Sherry Vinegar

1 tbsp

Kosher Salt

1 small

Onion (chopped)

3 tsp

Fennel Seed

3 tsp

Ground Cumin

1 large

Egg

570 g

Ground Lamb

1 tbsp

Rice Flour

Directions:

1

Form lamb mixture into 1 1/2" balls

2

Chile sauce: Toast chiles, red pepper flakes, and cumin seeds in a dry small skillet over medium heat, tossing occasionally, until fragrant and cumin seeds are golden, about 3 minutes

3

Let cool

4

Working in batches, finely grind in spice mill, then transfer to a blender

5

Add vinegar, paprika, and garlic to blender and blend until smooth

6

With motor running, gradually stream in oil and blend until combined

7

Transfer to a large bowl; season with salt

8

Do ahead: Chile sauce can be made 2 days ahead

9

Cover and chill

10

Toast chiles, red pepper flakes, and cumin seeds in a dry small skillet over medium heat, tossing occasionally, until fragrant and cumin seeds are golden, about 3 minutes

11

Let cool

12

Working in batches, finely grind in spice mill, then transfer to a blender

13

Add vinegar, paprika, and garlic to blender and blend until smooth

14

With motor running, gradually stream in oil and blend until combined

15

Transfer to a large bowl; season with salt

16

Do ahead: Chile sauce can be made 2 days ahead

17

Cover and chill

18

Meatballs and assembly: Pulse onion, chopped garlic, parsley, oregano, sage, fennel seeds, coriander, cumin, and 1 tablespoon salt in a food processor, scraping down sides as needed, until finely chopped

19

Add egg, lamb, and flour and pulse until evenly combined

20

Form lamb mixture into 1 1/2" balls

21

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high

22

Working in 2 batches and adding another 1 tablespoon oil to skillet if needed, cook meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, 5–8 minutes

23

Transfer meatballs to paper towels to drain

24

Transfer all meatballs to bowl with chile sauce and toss to coat

25

Toss cucumber in a medium bowl with lemon zest, lemon juice, vinegar, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil; season with salt and pepper

26

Spoon yogurt into bowls

27

Evenly divide meatballs among bowls; top with dressed cucumber and mint and sprinkle with red pepper flakes

28

Do ahead: Meatball mixture can be made 1 day ahead

29

Cover and chill

30

Pulse onion, chopped garlic, parsley, oregano, sage, fennel seeds, coriander, cumin, and 1 tablespoon salt in a food processor, scraping down sides as needed, until finely chopped

31

Add egg, lamb, and flour and pulse until evenly combined

32

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high

33

Working in 2 batches and adding another 1 tablespoon oil to skillet if needed, cook meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, 5–8 minutes

34

Transfer meatballs to paper towels to drain

35

Transfer all meatballs to bowl with chile sauce and toss to coat

36

Toss cucumber in a medium bowl with lemon zest, lemon juice, vinegar, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil; season with salt and pepper

37

Spoon yogurt into bowls

38

Evenly divide meatballs among bowls; top with dressed cucumber and mint and sprinkle with red pepper flakes

39

Do ahead: Meatball mixture can be made 1 day ahead

40

Cover and chill