Spring is here and my palate is dreaming of lighter fare with a nice balance of acid and fat. So this year I decided to not do the big leg of lamb on Easter Sunday and instead do a lite and full of flavor version of lamb meatballs. All of the components of this dish can be made in advance which makes this a stress free and tasty option for your holiday table. Don't forget the pita bread!
Ingredients
For Meatballs
1 1/2 lbs ground lamb
2 Tblsp Greek yogurt
1 egg
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1 Tblsp minced fresh garlic
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (sub with fresh dill if cilantro gives you the willies)
6 oz brick Feta cheese cut into 1/2 inch cubes
Salt and pepper to taste
For Couscous
2 cups chicken stock, heated to just boiling
1 Tblsp olive oil
1 1/2 cups couscous
Salt to taste
For Cucumbers
1-2 English cucumber(s) sliced thin
2 Tblsp red wine vinegar
1 Tblsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
.
Preheat oven to 425°.
Gently combine all of the meatball ingredients in a large bowl and mix everything together. Don't over mix or the meat gets tough.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meatball mixture into a small ball and press 1 feta cube into the center, sealing meat tightly around cheese. place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with remaining meatball mixture and cheese.
Place baking sheet into the oven and bake meatballs for 15-20 minutes or until the lamb is cooked through (about 150 degrees internal temperature).
Meanwhile, heat the chicken stock and olive oil. When just bubbling remove from heat and stir in couscous. Cover and let sit for at least five minutes. NO PEEKING! Fluff it up just before plating.
Combine cucumbers with vinegar, oil and salt and pepper to taste.
On a platter, make a thin bed of couscous top with the cucumber salad and finish with the meatballs. Crumble on a bit more Feta and add some olives. Give a final drizzle of your best olive oil and serve with a side of a creamy hummus and a squeeze of lemon. Heaven.
Comments