– **Title**: Lamb Meatballs with Mint Gravy
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound ground lamb
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (plus more for garnish)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
– **For the Mint Gravy:**
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1 cup lamb or chicken broth
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, egg, and chopped mint. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Gradually whisk in the broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Stir in the chopped mint, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently coating them in the mint gravy. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional mint leaves and paired with rice or crusty bread. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Lamb: This is the star of the dish, providing a rich flavor. If you’re not a fan, ground beef or turkey can work well as alternatives, though it will change the taste a bit. I’ve used a mix of lamb and beef for variety!
Breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs add texture and moisture. If you only have dry breadcrumbs, reduce the amount slightly or add a splash of milk to your mix. For gluten-free options, use crushed gluten-free crackers or oat flour.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the meatballs. If you’re out, try fresh cilantro or basil. Dried herbs are a convenient option too, just remember to use less since they’re more concentrated.
Mint: Fresh mint gives the gravy its refreshing flavor. Dried mint is a good substitute but use less. I love adding extra fresh mint right before serving for a pop of color and taste!
How Do I Cook Meatballs So They Don’t Fall Apart?
Cooking meatballs can be tricky, but with the right steps, they’ll hold together perfectly! The key is to not overmix the ingredients.
- Combine everything gently in a bowl just until mixed; overworking the meat can make them tough.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the meatballs. This helps to seal them and prevents falling apart.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook them in batches if needed; this ensures they get that nice golden crust on all sides!
These tips will keep your meatballs intact and delicious as they cook in the gravy.
How to Make Lamb Meatballs with Mint Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lamb Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For the Mint Gravy:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken or lamb broth
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (or 1 tsp dried mint)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
For Serving:
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed peas
- Roasted carrots
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and 30 minutes to cook. In total, you can expect to spend about 45 minutes to create these delicious lamb meatballs with mint gravy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground lamb, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Use your hands to combine everything well until it forms a uniform mixture.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Take portions of the mixture and roll them between your hands to form meatballs that are about 1.5 inches in diameter. Set the shaped meatballs aside on a plate or tray.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Gently add the meatballs to the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid crowding. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5-7 minutes, then carefully remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Make the Mint Gravy:
Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring well.
5. Add Broth and Flavorings:
Pour in the chicken or lamb broth, and add the chopped mint and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and season it with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine Meatballs and Gravy:
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the gravy. Let them simmer in the gravy for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the gravy has thickened. If you’d like it thicker, stir in the cornstarch mixture and simmer for a couple more minutes.
7. Serve:
Plate the meatballs with a generous amount of mint gravy poured over them. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, tender steamed peas, and flavorful roasted carrots for a delightful meal.
Enjoy your delicious lamb meatballs with mint gravy!
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Lamb?
Absolutely! Ground beef is a great substitute if you prefer it over lamb. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. The cooking time may remain the same; just ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
How to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free lamb meatballs, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or use almond flour. Additionally, ensure that the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat. The cooking process remains the same!
Can I Prepare the Meatballs in Advance?
Yes! You can prep the meatballs ahead of time. Form them and place them on a baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze them for up to 3 months. If freezing, it’s best to freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if cooking from frozen.
What Should I Do If the Gravy Is Too Thin?
If your gravy turns out too thin, no worries! You can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then stir it into the simmering gravy. Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
