Best 2 Middle Eastern Sesame Lamb Meatballs With Minted Yogurt Dip Recipes

Middle Eastern sesame lamb meatballs with minted yogurt dip is a delectable dish that combines the richness of lamb with the tanginess of yogurt and the nuttiness of sesame seeds. This tantalizing dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, sure to delight your taste buds. With its succulent meatballs, refreshing dip, and aromatic spices, this dish is a must-try for those seeking a flavorful culinary experience.

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CUMIN LAMB MEATBALLS WITH TAHINI YOGURT DIPPING SAUCE

Cumin Lamb Meatballs With Tahini Yogurt Dipping Sauce image

Meatballs are not the kind of thing one would usually think of as quick-and-easy-dinner fare. All that rolling and frying can take forever, making meatballs a weekend project for a leisurely afternoon. There are, however, shortcuts - if you can suppress your perfectionist urges. You can use this recipe as a template for whatever kind of ground meat you like. Lamb is earthy and works well with the creamy tahini sauce, reminiscent of a carnivore's falafel. But beef, turkey, veal or pork are good substitutes. And all will make equally good blobs and none will be a project. Just a fast and filling dinner any night of the week.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories dinner, easy, quick, main course

Time 20m

Yield 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/4 teaspoons coarse kosher salt, plus a pinch
1 pound ground lamb
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, more for serving
Black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon chile powder
1 scallion, minced
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
Olive oil, for greasing pan
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup tahini
Fresh lemon juice, to taste

Steps:

Heat broiler with an oven rack placed 3 inches below heat source.
Using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a knife, make a paste with garlic and a pinch of salt. Put half the garlic paste in a large bowl and add lamb, 1 teaspoon of the salt, cumin, hot sauce, pepper, chile powder, scallion and 1 tablespoon parsley. Mix to combine.
Shape lamb mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place on an oiled rimmed baking sheet. Make sure meatballs are spaced at least 1 inch apart. Transfer baking sheet to oven and broil meatballs for 8 to 10 minutes, or until browned on top and slightly pink on the inside.
Meanwhile, combine yogurt, tahini, remaining garlic paste,1/4 teaspoon salt and the lemon juice to taste.
Transfer cooked meatballs to a serving platter or individual plates and serve with tahini sauce and extra hot sauce, if you like. Garnish with the remaining parsley.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 448, UnsaturatedFat 22 grams, Carbohydrate 6 grams, Fat 38 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 22 grams, SaturatedFat 13 grams, Sodium 363 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram

MIDDLE EASTERN SESAME LAMB MEATBALLS WITH MINTED YOGURT DIP

Middle Eastern Sesame Lamb Meatballs with Minted Yogurt Dip image

Categories Dairy Lamb Side Super Bowl Yogurt Dinner Fall Gourmet

Yield Makes about 32 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

1/3 cup minced onion
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried mint, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
a pinch cinnamon
1 pound ground lamb (10% fat)
1 cup fine fresh bread crumbs
1 large egg, beaten lightly
2 tablespoons dried currants
1/4 cup black sesame seeds*
1/4 cup white sesame seeds, toasted lightly
Accompaniment:
minted yogurt dip:
2 cups plain yogurt
1/4 cup packed fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
*available at Asian markets and some specialty foods shops and supermarkets

Steps:

To make the meatballs:
In a small non-stick skillet cook onion and garlic in oil over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened. Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in mint, salt, allspice, and cinnamon. Add lamb, bread crumbs, egg, and currants and combine well. Form level tablespoons of lamb mixture into 1 1/4-inch meatballs, arranging on a tray as formed.
In a small bowl roll half of meatballs, 1 at a time, in black sesame seeds until coated, transferring to a rack set in a shallow baking pan. Coat remaining meatballs with white sesame seeds in same manner, transferring to rack. Meatballs may be prepared up to this point 1 day ahead and chilled, covered loosely.
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Bake meatballs in upper third of oven 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden and just cooked through.
To make the yogurt dip:
In a fine sieve set over a bowl drain yogurt, covered and chilled, 3 hours. Discard whey in bowl and transfer yogurt cheese to bowl. Yogurt cheese may be made 2 days ahead and chilled, covered.
Into yogurt cheese stir mint and salt. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Tips:

For the best flavor, use high-quality ground lamb.
Don't overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
Use a light hand when forming the meatballs. This will help prevent them from becoming dense.
Cook the meatballs over medium heat. This will help them cook evenly without burning.
Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the meatballs. This will prevent them from cooking evenly.
Serve the meatballs with the minted yogurt dip. This dip is a great way to add flavor and moisture to the meatballs.

Conclusion:

These Middle Eastern sesame lamb meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main course. They're perfect for a party or a weeknight meal. The meatballs are flavorful and juicy, and the minted yogurt dip is a perfect complement.