Ingredients
Scale
For the Lamb Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground lamb: The star of the dish, offering a rich, savory flavor that’s perfect for meatballs.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh or panko): To help bind the meatballs together while keeping them tender.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a fresh, herby note that complements the mint in the gravy.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): For that essential savory depth in every bite.
- 1 egg: To help bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: A warm spice that pairs beautifully with lamb.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander: Adds a citrusy, earthy note that enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
For the Mint Gravy:
- 1 cup chicken broth: Forms the base of the gravy, providing a savory liquid that enhances the mint.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: To create a rich, silky texture for the gravy.
- 1/4 cup fresh mint (chopped): The star of the gravy, providing a fresh, vibrant flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the garlic and creating the base of the gravy.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: To add a bit of acidity that balances out the richness of the gravy.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lamb Meatballs
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic, egg, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Form the meatballs: Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the meatball mixture and roll it between your hands to form balls. Try to keep them uniform in size, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, so they cook evenly. You should end up with about 20-24 meatballs.
- Bake the meatballs: Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re browned on the outside and cooked through. If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer—lamb should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Rest the meatballs: Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them even more tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Make the Mint Gravy
- Sauté the garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add the chicken broth and heavy cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer the gravy: Let the gravy simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Add the mint and lemon juice: Once the gravy has thickened, stir in the chopped fresh mint and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The mint will infuse the gravy with a fresh, aromatic flavor, while the lemon juice will brighten it up.
- Simmer a bit more: Let the gravy simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.
Step 3: Serve the Lamb Meatballs with Mint Gravy
- Arrange the meatballs: Place the baked lamb meatballs on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Pour the gravy: Spoon the mint gravy generously over the meatballs, making sure each one gets a good amount of sauce. The creamy gravy will soak into the meatballs, adding even more flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with a few extra sprigs of fresh mint for a pop of color and extra minty flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Protein: 30g