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Lamb Meatballs with Lemon-Cumin Yogurt

Lemons Lamb Super Bowl New Year's Eve Christmas Halloween March Madness Mediterranean Dinner Party Potluck Yogurt Healthy Cilantro Meatballs Appetizer Snack Make Ahead Dip Cocktail Party Easy
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Lemons Lamb Super Bowl New Year's Eve Christmas Halloween March Madness Mediterranean Dinner Party Potluck Yogurt Healthy Cilantro Meatballs Appetizer Snack Make Ahead Dip Cocktail Party Easy
30 meatballs Easy
Total: Active:
32 Ratings 

Ingredients (15)

For the meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the yogurt:

  • 7 ounces whole-milk Greek yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh mint
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon, minced
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Nutritional Information
  • Calories50
  • Fat3.93g
  • Saturated fat1.76g
  • Trans fat0g
  • Carbs0.69g
  • Fiber0.14g
  • Sugar0.33g
  • Protein3.07g
  • Cholesterol11.92mg
  • Sodium59.46mg
  • Nutritional Analysis per serving (30 servings) Powered by

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Lamb Meatballs with Lemon-Cumin Yogurt

Fresh mint and cilantro pair with the classic Mediterranean spices of cinnamon, cumin, and coriander to liven up ground lamb and plain yogurt. To prepare these as a main course, form larger meatballs and serve with pita and couscous.

What to buy: Greek yogurt can be found in most grocery stores. We like the Fage brand.

Game plan: The meatballs can be formed up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated; they’ll just need an additional 3 to 5 minutes in the oven to cook through.

The yogurt dip can be made 1 day ahead, covered tightly, and refrigerated.

This recipe was featured as part of our Bring Happy Hour Home cocktail party menu, as well as our Bar Snacks and Tailgating Recipes photo galleries.

by Amy Wisniewski
  • What to buy

    Nesting Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls, 6 for $26.99 on Amazon

    Nonreactive, dishwasher-safe stainless steel bowls are great for prepping all sorts of things, from dressings and meat mixtures to chocolate ganache, and this set has pretty much every size you need.

    See It ›

Tips for Lamb, Christmas, and Meatballs

Tip
How to Pick Lamb
Lamb is readily available in most supermarkets. The freshest lamb will have soft pink and red flesh with marbling throughout. Avoid anything that looks grey in color.
Read More
1 of 9
Next: How to Freeze Lamb
Tip
How to Freeze Lamb
Wrap the lamb in it in its original packaging, airtight, with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. From there, you can also place the meat in an airtight freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Chops and loins fare best when wrapped individually.
Read More
2 of 9
Next: How to Thaw Lamb
Tip
How to Thaw Lamb
Lamb can be defrosted in three ways. As with most meat, refrigeration is the most effective, albeit slowest method. Lamb meat defrosted in the fridge can actually be re-frozen before or after cooking, though there may be a loss of moisture. If you're in a pinch, lamb can be defrosted in the microwave, or placed in a bowl of cold water (which should be replaced every 30 minutes).
Read More
3 of 9
Next: Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?
Tip
Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?
There are several reasons Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25. The date is nine months after March 25, a day recognized by Christians as Annunciation. It was the day Mary was told she would was having a baby. The nine months that follow are an approximation of Jesus’ birth. Dec. 25 also coincides with pagan Winter Solstice celebrations like Saturnalia' and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Since they were historically celebrated around that time of year there was precedent for holiday festivities during this time of year.
Read More
4 of 9
Next: What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?
Tip
What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?
Christmas is a shortened from the words “Christ’s mass.” It’s derived from the Middle English word "Cristemasse" which has Greek, Hebrew and Latin origins. Christmas is an annual holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians around the world and is regarded as an important religious and cultural holiday.
Read More
5 of 9
Next: How Can We Celebrate Christmas?
Tip
How Can We Celebrate Christmas?
Christmas is traditionally celebrated in many ways and celebrations vary across cultures. In the days leading up to Christmas, people usually put up special decorations including colorful lights and evergreen trees. Gifts are often placed under the tree and exchanged on Christmas day among loved ones. Large meals are also typically served as part of the celebration as well.
Read More
6 of 9
Next: How to Store Meatballs
Tip
How to Store Meatballs
Cooked meatballs can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to four days. You can also individually wrap larger meatballs in aluminum foil for maximum freshness.
Read More
7 of 9
Next: How to Freeze Meatballs
Tip
How to Freeze Meatballs
To freeze meatballs, simply transfer them from the fridge if they are already stored in appropriate airtight packaging. If not, meatballs can be placed in a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to eliminate as much air as possible prior to storing and you'll have fresh meatballs up to four months after freezing.
Read More
8 of 9
Next: How to Thaw Meatballs
Tip
How to Thaw Meatballs
Meatballs can thawed in a microwave, but be sure to turn them frequently and consume immediately. You can also bake frozen meatballs on a cookie sheet at 350° for 25-30 minutes. For those who aren't in a rush, placing the frozen meatballs in the refrigerator is always the most effective thawing method.
Read More
9 of 9
Next: How to Pick Lamb

Instructions

  1. 1Heat the oven to 375°F and arrange a rack in the middle.
  2. 2Combine all meatball ingredients in a large bowl and mix thoroughly with your hands.
  3. 3Form into 30 balls (about 2 teaspoons each) and place on a baking sheet.
  4. 4Bake until meatballs are no longer pink in the middle, about 15 minutes.
  5. 5Meanwhile, combine all yogurt ingredients in a small bowl and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well. Serve with the meatballs.
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