Pepper Monkey Lamb Meatballs Recipes

Steps:

• Add the cumin seeds to a large, dry saute pan. Turn on the heat to medium-low and toast, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, 5 minutes. Transfer to a spice grinder and process until finely ground. Add 2 tablespoons of the extra-virgin olive oil to the same saute pan and turn the heat to medium high. Add half the onion, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the crushed red pepper. Saute until translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add half the minced garlic and stir to combine. Cook until fragrant and softened, 3 minutes, then transfer to a heatproof bowl and set aside to cool. Save the pan to cook the meatballs in later.
• Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil to a large, high-sided saute pan and heat over medium-high heat. Add the remaining diced onion, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper. Saute until translucent, 5 minutes. Add the fennel, bell pepper, the remaining minced garlic, the tomatoes and 1 cup water. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice and season with kosher salt to taste. Blend the sauce with an immersion blender until slightly smooth but there is still some texture.
• To a large bowl, add the ground lamb, toasted ground cumin, fennel pollen, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan, fennel fronds, the sauteed onion and garlic and 1/4 cup water and sprinkle with kosher salt. Mix with your hands to thoroughly combine.
• Turn the saute pan back on to medium-high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Take a small amount of the meatball mixture and cook a tester patty to check for seasoning and adjust the remaining mixture with more salt if necessary.
• Using a 1-ounce cookie scoop, portion the meatballs and roll into balls. Add to the saute pan and cook, turning occasionally until brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer the seared meatballs into the red pepper and fennel sauce and simmer until heated through, 10 minutes.
• Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and garnish with the reserved fennel fronds and goat cheese.

Steps:

• 1. Make the Spicy Afghan Green Sauce: Combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. This can be done 1 to 3 days in advance. It is best to make the sauce at least 1 day in advance to give the flavors time to blend. Preheat a grill to about 375°F for direct cooking. Make the meatballs: Place the cumin, coriander, cardamom seeds, and star anise in a small skillet over medium heat and toast until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Let cool, then grind in a spice or coffee grinder. Add the turmeric, seasoned salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and cayenne and mix well. Place the ground lamb in a large bowl. Add the spices along with the onion, ginger, garlic, mint, feta, and spinach and mix well, but do not overmix as this will result in a tough texture. Form the mixture into meatballs 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on the grill grate and cook for about 14 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F on a meat thermometer, rotating the meatballs frequently to ensure that they caramelize evenly. Serve with the dipping sauce. Notes: You may substitute store-bought garam masala for the homemade spice mixture here. You can have a butcher grind the meat, or you can do it yourself at home, using a meat grinder or food processor.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine sour cream and cheese. Add the pepper, salt, bread crumbs and garlic powder. Crumble meat over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls. , Place meatballs on a greased rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until no longer pink; drain., Transfer to a 1-1/2-qt. slow cooker. Combine the sauce ingredients; pour over meatballs. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or until heated through.