Sure, let’s dive into the recipe for Grecian Lamb Balls, a delightful dish inspired by Melissa Diane Smith’s book, “Going Against the Grain”. These succulent meatballs are bursting with flavors that will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean shores 🌊.
Grecian Lamb Balls Recipe
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 2-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2-4 tablespoons fresh oregano or mint leaves, finely chopped
- 2-4 tablespoons fresh cinnamon
- Sea salt, to taste
- Fresh lemon juice, for garnish
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures that it’s perfectly heated when your lamb balls are ready to bake.
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Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, and either oregano or mint leaves, along with the fragrant cinnamon. Knead the ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed, infusing the lamb with all those delicious flavors 🌿.
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Form the Meatballs: With your hands, gently shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them evenly spaced in a baking dish, ready to be transformed into savory delights.
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Bake to Perfection: Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let the lamb balls bake for 20 to 30 minutes. The exact time will depend on your preferred level of doneness and the internal temperature of the meatballs.
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Season and Serve: Once the lamb balls are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven. Before serving, sprinkle them with a touch of sea salt and a drizzle of fresh lemon juice for that extra zing 💫.
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Variation: If you’re feeling adventurous, try a variation with Dill Lamb Balls. Simply substitute 2 teaspoons of dried dill for the oregano or mint, and skip the cinnamon. It’s a refreshing twist on the classic recipe that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 434.9
- Fat: 35.5g
- Saturated Fat: 15.4g
- Cholesterol: 110.4mg
- Sodium: 91.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 2.2g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugar: 0.1g
- Protein: 25.3g
Recipe Notes:
- These Grecian Lamb Balls are perfect for those following a low-carb or high-protein diet, packed with savory goodness and free of unnecessary fillers.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add a bit more garlic for extra zest or experiment with different herbs for a unique flavor profile.
- These lamb balls not only taste delicious fresh out of the oven but also freeze well, making them a convenient option for meal prep or last-minute gatherings 🎉.
With its tantalizing blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices, Grecian Lamb Balls are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the delightful flavors and aromas as you savor each bite of these delectable meatballs! 🍽️
