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Four lamb meatballs sit in a small black bowl atop a pool of Greek yogurt and a large dollop of mint-raisin pesto. Tiny mint leaves and flowers sit on top of the meatballs as garnish. Background is a garden box full of leafy basil and tomato plants.

Lamb Meatballs with Mint-Raisin Pesto

Lamb meatballs with a sweet pesto and tangy yogurt. This is an excellent use of a bunch of fresh mint from the garden!
5 from 1 vote
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Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Andoran, Wheel of Time

Equipment

  • Large rimmed baking sheet
  • Blender or food processor
  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

Meatballs:

  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup panko
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • ¼ tsp ground turmeric
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 garlic clove finely grated
  • 2 Tbsp oil
  • 1½ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 lb ground lamb

Pesto:

  • 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
  • 2 cups fresh mint leaves
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 3 Tbsp raisins
  • Big pinch of kosher salt (1/16 tsp-ish)
  • ½ cup avocado oil or olive oil

Plain Greek yogurt (for serving)

Instructions
 

Meatballs:

  • Place a rack in upper third of oven; preheat to 425°F. (yes, we want it close to the top!) Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Combine egg, panko, cumin, red pepper flakes, turmeric, chopped parsley, grated garlic, 2 Tbsp oil, and 1½ tsp kosher salt in a large bowl.
  • Add lamb and mix with your hands until evenly distributed.
  • Gently roll lamb mixture into 1½"-diameter balls (you should have about 20). Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly apart.
  • Bake meatballs 8-12 minutes, until browned and cooked through (145°F minimum). (Go on the longer side if the meatballs are larger)

Pesto:

  • MEANWHILE, purée mint, raisins, parsley leaves, remaining garlic clove, remaining ½ cup oil, and a big pinch of salt in a blender or food processor until smooth. Taste pesto; season with more salt if needed.
  • Serve meatballs warm or cold with pesto and yogurt.

Notes

Keep leftovers wrapped separately in the fridge.
Keyword nut-free
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