adfree-recipe

We use cookies

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our cookie policy.

By clicking "Accept", you agree to our use of cookies.
Our cookie policy.

Little Lamb Meatballs in a Spicy Eggplant Tomato Sauce
Little Lamb Meatballs in a Spicy Eggplant Tomato Sauce
0 Likes
Prep Time:
25 minutes
Cook Time:
90 minutes
Total Time:
115 minutes
Spicy lamb meatballs in sweet eggplant tomato sauce for a flavorful family favorite by Chef John.
Ingredients:
  • 1 eggplant, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 0.33333334326744 cup finely minced onion
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 0.25 cup plain dry bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1.5 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 0.25 cup finely minced onion
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • cayenne pepper to taste
Instructions:
  • Preheat your oven to a toasty 450 degrees F (230 degrees C), then elegantly line a baking sheet with either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, toss eggplant with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Sauté until eggplant softens, approximately 5 minutes.
  • Combine the onion and red pepper flakes in a skillet. Cook over medium heat until the onion is softened, about 4 minutes. Add the broth and marinara sauce, then simmer over medium-low heat until the sauce reduces by half, for about 30 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, egg, and Greek yogurt, and mix until bread crumbs absorb the liquid, about 3 minutes. Add 1/4 cup onion, garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and coriander, and combine thoroughly. Crumble in the lamb, sprinkle with cayenne pepper, and mix well.
  • Shape the lamb mixture into small meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for around 10 minutes until golden brown on the outside while remaining slightly pink inside.
  • Transfer the freshly baked meatballs into the sizzling sauce. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are fully cooked, which takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (72 degrees C).
  • To enhance the presentation, sprinkle mint over the meatballs and sauce before serving.

Similar Recipes