Herbed Lamb Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce
These Herbed Lamb Meatballs are a flavorful twist on the classic meatball, combining tender ground lamb with fresh garlic, onion, and zesty lemon for a delightful burst of flavor. Perfectly baked and served with a creamy yogurt sauce, these meatballs make an excellent appetizer or main dish, ideal for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy them with a side of pita bread or a refreshing salad for an authentic Mediterranean experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground lamb
1 1/4-1 1/2 lbs (raw)
Egg
1 (lightly beaten)
Onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (plain)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Lemon zest
1 teaspoon (fresh)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Low-fat yogurt
1/4 cup (plain)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, lightly beaten egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and chopped fresh parsley.
3
Using your clean hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined, ensuring that the seasonings are evenly distributed.
4
Scoop a small amount of the mixture and roll it into balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs in a baking pan lined with parchment paper, making sure they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for even cooking.
5
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C).
6
While the meatballs are baking, prepare a simple yogurt sauce by mixing plain low-fat yogurt with a pinch of salt and a dash of lemon juice, if desired.
7
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with the yogurt sauce on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 lbs of raw ground lamb.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the meatballs.
How long do the lamb meatballs need to bake?
The meatballs should bake for approximately 25 minutes or until cooked through.
What is the safe internal temperature for these meatballs?
The internal temperature of the lamb meatballs should reach 160°F (70°C).
How do I prepare the baking pan for the meatballs?
You should line the baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
What size should the meatballs be rolled into?
Scoop the mixture and roll it into balls that are about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
How much space should be left between meatballs on the pan?
Place the meatballs about 2 inches apart in the baking pan to allow for even heat distribution.
What ingredients are needed for the yogurt sauce?
The sauce consists of plain low-fat yogurt, a pinch of salt, and an optional dash of lemon juice.
Does this recipe include fresh herbs?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
What citrus element is included in the meatball mixture?
One teaspoon of fresh lemon zest is added to the meatball mixture for a zesty flavor.
Is there an egg in the meatball mixture?
Yes, one lightly beaten egg is used as a binder for the meatball ingredients.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of plain breadcrumbs.
How much garlic is required for this recipe?
You will need 3 minced garlic cloves for the meatball mixture.
How much onion is used in the meatballs?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion.
What are the recommended serving suggestions?
These meatballs are great served with pita bread or a refreshing salad for a Mediterranean experience.
Can these meatballs be served as an appetizer?
Yes, these meatballs are versatile and make an excellent appetizer or a main dish.
What should I do after the meatballs are finished baking?
Once removed from the oven, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving.
How is the onion prepared for the mixture?
The onion should be finely chopped before being added to the mixing bowl.
How is the garlic prepared?
The garlic cloves should be minced before being combined with the other ingredients.
What seasonings are added to the meat?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, or more to taste.
What kind of yogurt is recommended for the sauce?
The recipe suggests using plain low-fat yogurt.
How do I mix the meatball ingredients?
Use your clean hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
When should I prepare the yogurt sauce?
You can prepare the simple yogurt sauce while the meatballs are baking in the oven.
Is the lemon zest used in the sauce or the meatballs?
The lemon zest is used inside the meatballs, while lemon juice is used in the sauce.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are a total of 10 ingredients required for the meatballs and the sauce combined.
How should the meatballs look when they are done?
They should be cooked through and visibly browned on the outside.
Is this a Mediterranean-style recipe?
Yes, the combination of lamb, garlic, lemon, and yogurt provides an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
Should the egg be added whole or beaten?
The egg should be lightly beaten before being added to the meat mixture.
How much yogurt is needed for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of plain low-fat yogurt.
How many meatballs does the recipe yield?
While the exact count depends on the size, rolling them into 1-1.5 inch balls typically yields a standard batch for 1.5 lbs of meat.