She Strengthens

Flavors of the Mediterranean

Lamb Meatballs with Fresh Herbs and Yogurt Dip

Indulge in the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with these tender lamb meatballs infused with fresh mint, cilantro, and a hint of spice. Paired with a refreshing yogurt dip, this dish is perfect for a quick and easy main course or as a delightful appetizer for your next gathering.

Meatball Magic

To create these flavorful bites, combine ground lamb with finely chopped onion, garlic, mint, cilantro, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Form into 30 small balls and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15 minutes, or until cooked through.

Greek Yogurt Dip

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the yogurt dip by combining whole-milk Greek yogurt with chopped fresh cilantro, mint, ground cumin, and a squeeze of lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. This dip can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to a day.

Tips and Variations

For a heartier meal, serve the meatballs with pita bread and couscous. You can also prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Ingredients

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 dip:

• 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

Yield and Difficulty

Yield: 30 meatballs
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 30 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes