Moroccan Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

Ring in the New Year with this wonderful twist to the traditional cocktail meatball!

Benefits of Grass Fed Pasture Raised Lamb

I like to use grass fed, pasture raised ground lamb. It has less fat, and more protein than grain fed lamb, and is an excellent source of vitamin B12, niacin, zinc, and iron. The fats are predominantly conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and omega 3 fatty acids, which are heart healthy, anti-inflammatory, and protect against certain cancers and diabetes.

Swap ground beef, chicken, or turkey if lamb is not your thing

This recipe will yield about 20-25 bite size meatballs, and will serve four to six as an appetizer

The tzatziki sauce is a nice compliment, as it helps tone down the spice, but is optional as these meatballs are a great stand-alone dish.

Another option is to toss the cooked Moroccan lamb meatballs in your favorite tomato-based sauce, such as a marinara

Can I Serve Moroccan Lamb Meatballs as an Entrée?

These Moroccan lamb meatballs can also be served as an entrée with a side of rice, such as basmati, and a salad

Or, form the lamb into two burgers for the grill, topping with tzatziki.

You can use the tzatziki recipe below, a store bought tzatziki, or any yogurt based dipping sauce such as this Best Yogurt Cucumber Raita

Benefits of Moroccan Spices

Moroccan cuisine is known for its’ rich and complex flavors because of unique blends of spices and seasonings. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects, and gut health benefits of the spices in this dish such as ginger, cumin, and paprika are well documented. Cinnamon has been shown to help control blood sugar and boost the immune system.

How to Make Moroccan Lamb Meatballs

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Ingredients:

1 lb ground lamb, preferably pasture raised

1 tbsp fresh grated ginger

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro or parsley

1 tbsp BBQ sauce

1 egg

1 tbsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp chili powder, such as chipotle or ancho

1/8 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

-Preheat oven to 350F

-Mix all ingredients except for ground lamb

-Add ground lamb and mix to combine

-Line a baking pan with parchment for easy cleanup

-Form lamb mixture into ping pong sized balls and place on parchment lined

-Bake in center of oven for 15 minutes -Serve with your favorite store bought tzatziki sauce, or try the recipe

How to Make Tzatziki Sauce

Mix in a medium bowl, mix:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

½ cup grated English cucumber

Juice from ½ lemon

1 clove crushed garlic

½ cup minced scallions

Salt and White pepper to taste

Optional:  1/2 c chopped fresh cilantro

-Serve, or if time allows, refrigerate for one hour before serving to allow flavors to combine

Makes two cups