These easy Lamb Meatballs are made with a mixture of ground lamb, ground beef, fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and rustic bread. Bursting with the warm and comforting flavors of the Middle East, these lamb meatballs are delicious right out of the oven or homemade saffron tomato sauce and a side of couscous.
Key Ingredients: – Bread Soaked in Milk – Ground Lamb – Eggs – Seasoning and Spices – Fresh Herbs Swipe up for the full list!
To make the meatballs, start by preheating your oven to 350°F and toasting chopped bread on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes or until it becomes dry and no longer soft. Once toasted, transfer the bread to a large bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, drizzle the bread with milk, ensuring it's fully coated and absorbed.
Next, add ground lamb, beef, eggs, garlic, spices, and fresh chopped herbs to the same bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly combine the meat, bread, and spices.
Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. With damp hands, shape the meat mixture into ping-pong-sized meatballs or use a large cookie scoop to portion them equally onto the baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
To make the Saffron Curry Sauce, heat olive oil in a pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté onions until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes), then add garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional minute.
Add crushed tomatoes and let them come to a low boil before stirring in the tomato paste. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree it.
Return the pureed tomato sauce to the pot, add saffron, cinnamon sticks, chicken broth, and honey. Simmer for about 10 minutes, occasionally stirring. Remove the cinnamon sticks and stir in milk, adding chopped walnuts and golden raisins if desired.
For curried lamb meatballs, add them to the sauce and simmer for 5 more minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with couscous or your preferred grain. Enjoy!