Lamb Meatballs with Lemon-Mint Yogurt
In short: Oven-baked lamb meatballs with parsley, mint, lemon zest and cumin, served with a cool lemon and mint yogurt sauce, ready in 35 minutes. It takes about 38 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 18 min
- Total
- 38 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 380 kcal
Lamb makes rich, flavorful meatballs, and herbs and lemon keep them from feeling heavy. These are mixed with parsley, mint, grated onion and a little cumin, then baked on a tray, so there is no pan to watch. The cool yogurt sauce with lemon and mint cuts through the fat. Serve them in warm flatbreads, over rice or couscous, or on a platter with toothpicks. Leftovers reheat well for lunch.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking tray with baking paper. Brush the paper lightly with the oil.
- In a large bowl, mix the lamb, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, mint, cumin, lemon zest, egg, salt and pepper. Mix gently, just until combined.
- Roll the mixture into about 20 balls, each about 4 cm (1 1/2 inches) wide, and place them on the tray 2 cm (3/4 inch) apart.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once halfway, until the meatballs are browned and read 71°C (160°F) in the center.
- Meanwhile, stir the yogurt, mint, lemon juice, garlic and salt together in a small bowl.
- Serve the meatballs warm with the yogurt sauce and lemon wedges.
Tips
- Squeeze the grated onion in a clean towel so the meatballs do not turn out soggy.
- Ground beef, or a half-and-half mix of beef and lamb, works if lamb is hard to find. Add 1 tsp of ground coriander for extra flavor.
Questions and answers
Can I fry these meatballs instead of baking them?
Yes. Fry them in 1 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning, until browned and cooked through.
Can I freeze lamb meatballs?
Yes. Freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months and reheat them from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for 10 to 12 minutes.
What can I serve with lamb meatballs?
Warm flatbread, rice, couscous or roasted vegetables all work. A simple tomato and cucumber salad is a good addition.
How long does it take to make Lamb Meatballs with Lemon-Mint Yogurt?
About 38 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 18 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Lamb Meatballs with Lemon-Mint Yogurt?
About 380 kcal per serving, with 25 g of protein, 10 g of carbohydrates and 26 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 380 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
