Saucy North African Lamb Meatballs - Lamb Kofta Recipe
These tasty meatballs have a wonderful combination of exotic spices. They are fabulous as an appetizer or a main dish. You need these in your life. This makes about 24 meatballs.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- 2 tablespoon cilantro chopped
- 6-8 mint leaves chopped
- 2 tablespoon breadcrumbs ( Paleo diet: chickpea flour)
For the stew:
- 1 onion medium sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ cup vegetable broth
- 14 oz diced tomatoes can
- ⅓ cup dried apricots coarsely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon saffron
- 2 tablespoon parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon almonds chopped
Instructions
- To make the meatballs: Place all the dry spices in a small bowl and blend well. Mix into the meat. Add in the cilantro, mint leaves and breadcrumbs.
- Form lamb into 1" meatballs. I like to use a cookie scooper.
- Heat olive oil on medium heat in a Dutch oven or large braising pan then sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Do not brown the onions and garlic. Add in the lamb meatballs then cover so they brown lightly. This takes about 5 minutes covered.
- Add the vegetable broth, and tomatoes. Bring to a light boil on high heat.
- Turn down heat to low and add parsley, apricots, and saffron. Cook covered for about 25 minutes. Add salt to taste. Cook uncovered on low to reduce to your desired consistency. (I like mine kind of thick and chunky like a salsa with very little liquid.) Sprinkle with chopped almonds before serving.
- Serve with rice.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long can I save and store lamb kofta? You can store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Be sure to completely cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Can I freeze lamb meatballs? Yes, these freeze quote well in the sauce. Be sure to completely cool before freezing. You should freeze in an airtight container for best results. These lamb kofta in sauce will keep nicely for 3-4 months frozen.
- Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can make this a day ahead and reheat covered in an oven proof dish for about 20-30 minutes at 300° F. The temperature of the food should hit 165° F.
Nutrition
Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 12gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 363mgPotassium: 364mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 407IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 2mg
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