Savory Lamb Meatballs with Sweet-Sour Plums in Rich Tomato Sauce

BBQ’d Lamb Meatballs with Plums in Tomato Sauce

Cook Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 skewers
Description: In the heart of Istanbul, I recently dined at a charming restaurant where I experienced a delightful dish that inspired this recipe. The plums used here, known locally as Malta plums, possess a unique sweet and sour flavor that beautifully complements the richness of the lamb. These yellow, slightly bruised plums bring both sweetness and acidity to the dish, creating a tantalizing balance. However, feel free to experiment with other sweet and sour fruits, such as purple plums, if they are more accessible. When preparing this dish, adjust the ingredient quantities to your liking, just as I did during my preparation. Remember, if you’re not counting calories, using a fattier cut of lamb will enhance the flavor and juiciness of the meatballs.

Recipe Category

Lamb/Sheep

Keywords

Meat, < 4 Hours

Ingredients

Nutritional Information

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: Begin by combining the ground lamb, a generous pinch of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl. Using your hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined, then form medium-sized meatballs, ensuring they are compact but not overly dense to maintain a tender texture when cooked.

2. Prepare the Plums: Take the fresh plums and slice them in half, discarding the pits. Set aside three of the halved plums, as these will be used in the tomato sauce, while the remaining halves will be skewered alongside the meatballs.

3. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the meatballs onto skewers, alternating with the plum halves to create a delightful “sandwich” effect. Aim for three meatballs per skewer, nestled between the plums, ensuring a balanced flavor in every bite.

4. Chop the Sauce Ingredients: Meanwhile, roughly chop the remaining tomatoes, the reserved plum halves, onions, and garlic. The rustic nature of the chopping will add to the overall texture of the sauce, providing an authentic feel to the dish.

5. Sauté the Vegetables: In a medium to large sauté pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.

6. Cook the Sauce: Next, incorporate the chopped tomatoes and the reserved plum halves into the pan. Stir the mixture well, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and add the cup of water if it begins to dry out.

7. Season the Sauce: After 30 minutes, add sugar and additional salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference. The sauce should develop a chunky, marinara-like consistency, rich in flavor from the cooked tomatoes and plums.

8. Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium heat. BBQ the assembled skewers until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked through, approximately 10 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve even browning. The plums should become soft and slightly caramelized.

9. Combine Skewers and Sauce: Once the skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and transfer them to the sauce pan, allowing them to sauté in the flavorful sauce for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This step melds the flavors together beautifully, ensuring that every bite is infused with the delicious sauce.

10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the skewers warm, drizzled with the luscious sauce and accompanied by crusty bread, perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce. Enjoy this dish with friends and family, allowing everyone to savor the delightful blend of flavors, as you indulge in the wonderful leftovers.

Afiyet Olsun! Enjoy your culinary adventure with this irresistible BBQ’d Lamb Meatballs with Plums in Tomato Sauce!