Lamb Meatballs with Pine Nuts and Currant

Tender lamb meatballs studded with pine nuts, mint and currants. A little Middle Eastern, a lot good.
Dairy-free

Recipe Information

Total Servings: 12

Delicious lamb meatballs with pine nuts and currants served in a rustic bowl, perfect for a flavorful appetizer or main dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground lamb
  • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg (beaten)
  • ½ cup dried currants (soaked in hot water and drained)
  • ⅔ cup pine nuts (toasted)
  • 1 tsp mint (chopped)
  • 2 tsp fresh oregano (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
  • ¼ tsp chili flakes
  • 28 oz canned peeled plum tomatoes (chopped)
  • 2 tsp fresh oregano (chopped)
  • Salt

Directions

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 450°F. Combine ground lamb, breadcrumbs, egg, currants, pine nuts, mint, oregano, garlic and salt and pepper. Mix by hand to evenly distribute the ingredients. Roll into one-inch balls and place on sheet pan that has been lightly rubbed with olive oil. Bake in the oven until brown and cooked all the way through, about 10-12 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    While meatballs are cooking, make the sauce. Heat a saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil, garlic and chili flakes and sauté for a minute to soften. Add the tomato and oregano and simmer to reduce to a sauce consistency. Season with salt. Add the meatballs to the pan and toss to coat.

  3. Step 3

    Enjoy with a glass of Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon.