Spiced Lamb Meatballs: Savory Middle-Eastern Flavors

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €10.03 · €1.67/serving

• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seedsEst. price €0.03–€0.08
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander seedsEst. price €0.03–€0.07
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seedsEst. price €0.02–€0.06
• 1 pound ground lambEst. price €9.50–€16.00
• 1 tablespoon (heaping) minced scallion (white part only)Est. price €0.08–€0.15
• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated PecorinoEst. price €0.12–€0.25
• 1 teaspoon kosher saltEst. price €0.01–€0.03
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated peeled gingerEst. price €0.04–€0.10
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oilEst. price €0.20–€0.50

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by preheating the broiler. In a small dry skillet over medium heat, stir the first three ingredients until they become aromatic and slightly darken, which should take around 2 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool before transferring it to a spice mill. Place the chile on a baking sheet and broil it, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning, until it starts to puff up, approximately 1 minute. Once done, cut the chile in half, remove the seeds and stem. Combine the chile (or ground chipotle chiles) with the toasted seeds in the spice mill and grind them together finely.

2. 2

   Begin by placing the potato in a small saucepan and covering it with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer until the potato is just cooked through, which should take around 10 minutes. Once done, grate the potato finely into a large bowl.

3. 3

   Combine the chili mixture, ground lamb, and the following four ingredients in a bowl. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until fully incorporated. Shape the mixture into meatballs that are about one inch in diameter.

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• Cultural note

  This dish showcases the traditional flavors of Middle-Eastern cuisine, with spices like cumin and coriander commonly used in dishes from that region. Lamb is a popular meat in Middle-Eastern cooking, and meatballs are a versatile and beloved dish in many cultures around the world.

• Seasonal note

  This dish featuring warm spices like caraway, coriander, cumin, and chipotle chile is perfect for cooler months when these flavors are comforting. Lamb is often more readily available in the fall and winter seasons, making it an ideal time to make these meatballs.

• Health note

  These spiced lamb meatballs are a good source of high-quality protein from the ground lamb. They also provide essential vitamins like B6, zinc, and antioxidants from spices. However, the high fat and cholesterol content, particularly saturated fat, should be consumed in moderation.