Spiced Lamb Meatballs in Curried Tomato Sauce
Experience a delightful fusion of flavors with these Spiced Lamb Meatballs in Curried Tomato Sauce. Inspired by my cherished Indian restaurant dish in Tucson, AZ, this recipe brings the warmth of spices and the tender juiciness of ground lamb together in one pot. The combination of sweet curry powder, fresh vegetables, and a hint of cilantro elevates these meatballs to a comforting one-dish meal. Perfectly paired with steamed basmati rice, each bite offers a vibrant taste that is sure to satisfy your cravings for Indian-inspired cuisine.
4
Servings
150
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (for browning the meatballs)
Ground lamb
1 lb (seasoned with salt and pepper)
Red pepper
1 (sliced)
Yellow pepper
1 (sliced)
Sweet onion
1 (sliced)
Butter
4 tablespoons (for adding creaminess)
Sweet curry powder
2 tablespoons (for seasoning)
Tomato sauce
1 (15-ounce) can (to create the sauce)
Chopped spinach
1 cup (fresh or frozen, thawed)
Cilantro
1 tablespoon (chopped for garnish)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, season the ground lamb with salt and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3
While the meatballs are browning, thinly slice the red pepper, yellow pepper, and onion.
4
Once the meatballs are browned, add the sliced peppers and onions to the skillet. Gently shake the pan or stir occasionally to allow the vegetables to soften and the meatballs to brown evenly.
5
When the vegetables are slightly tender, add the butter and sweet curry powder to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients.
6
Pour in the tomato sauce and give it a good stir to mix everything. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
7
After simmering, remove the lid and stir in the chopped spinach and cilantro. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
8
Serve the curried lamb meatballs hot, over a bed of steamed basmati rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Spiced Lamb Meatballs in Curried Tomato Sauce.
What was the inspiration for this dish?
This recipe was inspired by a cherished Indian restaurant dish in Tucson, AZ.
What is the primary protein used in the meatballs?
The primary protein used is ground lamb.
How much ground lamb is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 lb of ground lamb.
What size should the lamb meatballs be?
The meatballs should be formed into small spheres about 1 inch in diameter.
What type of oil is used to brown the meatballs?
Olive oil is used to brown the meatballs.
How long does it take to brown the meatballs?
It takes approximately 5-7 minutes to brown the meatballs on all sides.
What vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce includes red pepper, yellow pepper, sweet onion, and chopped spinach.
How should the peppers and onion be sliced?
The red pepper, yellow pepper, and sweet onion should be thinly sliced.
When are the peppers and onions added to the skillet?
They are added to the skillet once the meatballs have been browned.
What is added to the skillet to provide creaminess?
4 tablespoons of butter are added to provide creaminess to the dish.
What type of curry powder is recommended for seasoning?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of sweet curry powder.
What is the base of the curry sauce?
The base of the sauce is one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce.
How long should the sauce simmer with the meatballs?
The sauce should simmer on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes while covered.
Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of fresh or frozen (thawed) chopped spinach.
When should the spinach and cilantro be added?
They should be stirred in after the initial 10-15 minute simmer, then simmered for an additional 5 minutes.
What is the recommended side dish for these meatballs?
The meatballs are best served over a bed of steamed basmati rice.
Is this dish considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
There are 150 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving provides 7.5g of protein.
What is the fiber content per serving?
The fiber content is 1.25g per serving.
How do you season the ground lamb initially?
The ground lamb is seasoned with salt and pepper before forming the meatballs.
What is the role of cilantro in this recipe?
Cilantro is used for flavor within the sauce and as a garnish.
What type of onion is specifically mentioned?
A sweet onion is used in this recipe.
Does the recipe require the skillet to be covered?
Yes, the skillet should be covered with a lid while the tomato sauce simmers.
What heat level is used for simmering?
The recipe recommends simmering on low heat.
How is the flavor described in the description?
The flavor is described as a fusion of warm spices and tender juiciness from the lamb.