Spicy Middle Eastern Lamb and Kidney Bean Meatballs

Meatballs are a classic comfort food with countless variations from all over the world. Chef Toni Sakaguchi at The Culinary Institute of America shows you how to make these Spicy Middle Eastern Lamb and Kidney Bean Meatballs with Salted Yogurt and Mediterranean Herbs. These melt-in-your-mouth meatballs with vivid notes of Middle Eastern spices make for a fun shared appetizer or entrée.

Course: Appetizers, Entrée

Bean type: Kidney Bean

Collection: Chef Creation, Video

Servings:

Calories: 338kcal

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Ingredients

Salted Yogurt

2 cups plain Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons lemon zest
as needed salt

Spice Paste

1 cup onion finely minced
½ cup carrot finely minced
½ tablespoon garlic cloves finely minced
1 teaspoon ginger minced
½ tablespoon coriander seeds toasted, ground
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin seeds toasted, ground
¼ teaspoon cinnamon ground
1 pinch allspice ground
½ pound kidney beans rinsed and drained
½ pound ground lamb lean
1 tablespoon cilantro chopped
1 tablespoon parsley chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons green onions chopped
¼ cup whole wheat bread crumbs or panko
1 egg beaten
as needed salt
as needed ground black pepper

Herb Salad

¼ cup parsley leaves
2 tablespoons mint leaves
2 tablespoons cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon chives cut into ½-inch pieces
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
as needed Aleppo peppers
as needed za'atar

Instructions

For the Salted Yogurt

Combine the yogurt and lemon zest in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

For the Spice Paste

Heat a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the canola oil, onions, and carrots. Let cook until slightly caramelized and cooked through. Add the garlic, ginger, and spices. Season with salt and pepper. Cool.
Coarsely chop the kidney beans.
Place the ground lamb in a large bowl, add cooled onion/garlic mixture, cilantro, parsley, zest, green onions, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix well into a homogenous mixture. Gently mix in the kidney beans. Season with salt and pepper. Cook off a test meatball and adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary.
Form into 1-inch meatballs, and place the meatballs on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm, about one hour.
Preheat a 425°F oven.
Roast the meatballs in the oven until caramelized and cooked through, about 10 minutes.

For the Herb Salad

Place the herbs in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with lemon and extra virgin olive oil.

To Serve

Spread a layer of yogurt on the platter.
Top with meatballs, place the herb salad on top, drizzle with the juices in the bottom of the bowl, and sprinkle with za’atar and Aleppo pepper.

Notes

Recipe by Chef Barbara Alexander

Nutrition