Spicy Lamb Meatballs with Green Goddess Dip Recipe
These Spicy Lamb Meatballs with Green Goddess Dip offer a delightful combination of bold Middle Eastern-inspired flavors paired with a creamy, herbaceous dip. Perfect as an appetizer or a savory snack, the dish features juicy lamb meatballs seasoned with fragrant spices and fresh herbs, complemented by a zesty yogurt-based Green Goddess dip that adds a refreshing contrast to the heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 20 meatballs) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
For the Spicy Lamb Meatballs
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Green Goddess Dip
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb with cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, minced garlic, parsley, mint, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches without overcrowding. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning periodically to brown all sides and ensure the meatballs are cooked through. They should have an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Make the Green Goddess Dip: While the meatballs cook, combine Greek yogurt, parsley, chives, tarragon, lemon juice, and garlic in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked spicy lamb meatballs on a serving dish alongside a bowl of the Green Goddess dip. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired and enjoy warm.
Notes
- For a milder dip, reduce the amount of garlic or herbs as preferred.
- Meatballs can be baked at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes if you prefer a less hands-on cooking method.
- Ground lamb can be substituted with ground beef or turkey for different flavor profiles.
- Serve these meatballs as an appetizer, party snack, or alongside salads or rice for a complete meal.
Keywords: Spicy lamb meatballs, Green Goddess dip, Middle Eastern appetizers, lamb recipes, yogurt dip
