Lamb Meatballs

If you're looking for a flavourful and simple way to enjoy lamb, I can't recommend lamb meatballs highly enough. Packed with spices and fresh ingredients, these Mediterranean-style lamb meatballs are a lovely addition to any meal. Whether you're after Greek flavours or a healthy homemade dish, lamb meatballs are both versatile and satisfying. In this article, I'll share a straightforward recipe for making easy lamb meatballs, along with a few tips to help you perfect your dish.

Why I Love Lamb Meatballs

Lamb meatballs offer a wonderful twist on traditional beef or pork varieties. The rich, savoury flavour of lamb pairs beautifully with Mediterranean spices and herbs, creating a dish that feels both special and comforting. What's more, lamb is a great source of protein and essential nutrients, making it a healthy choice for meat lovers.

The Nutritional Benefits

Lamb isn't just delicious – it's nutritious too. It's rich in high-quality protein, which is important for muscle maintenance and overall health. Lamb also contains important vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, zinc, and iron, all of which are essential for energy production and immune function.

Versatility at Its Best

One of the aspects I appreciate most about lamb meatballs is their versatility. You can serve them as an appetiser, a main course, or even add them to pasta dishes and salads. This adaptability makes lamb meatballs a fantastic option for various meal ideas, catering to different tastes and preferences.

My Recipe for Greek Lamb Meatballs

Let me share with you a simple yet delicious recipe for Greek lamb meatballs. This recipe combines ground lamb with aromatic spices and fresh herbs to create a dish that's bursting with flavour. If you're looking for quality lamb to make this recipe, our Free Range Lamb Box from the farm is perfect – it's reared with care using traditional, high-welfare farming methods for exceptional flavour.

Ingredients You'll Need

To create these Mediterranean lamb meatballs, you'll need the following:

• 1 pound (450g) of ground lamb
• 50g of breadcrumbs
• 4 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Method

Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Add the Egg: Pour the beaten egg into the mixture and continue to mix until the egg is fully incorporated. The egg helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring that your meatballs hold their shape.

Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 2.5 to 4cm in diameter. Place the formed meatballs onto a plate or baking sheet.

Cook the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each meatball for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they're browned on all sides and cooked through.

Serve: Transfer the cooked meatballs to a serving platter. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if you like. Serve warm with your choice of sides or dipping sauces.

Tips for Perfect Lamb Meatballs

Use Quality Lamb

For the best flavour, I always recommend using fresh ground lamb from a trusted source. The quality of the meat really does make a significant difference to the taste and texture of your meatballs. Our Free Range Lamb Box: Half a Lambgives you a generous selection of fresh, free-range lamb, and you can easily mince some of the cuts for these meatballs.

Adjust the Spices to Your Taste

Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your preferences. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Alternatively, for a milder flavour, reduce the spices and let the natural taste of the lamb shine through.

Try Baking Instead of Pan-Frying

Whilst pan-frying is a popular method for cooking lamb meatballs, you can also bake them for a healthier alternative. To bake, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F/Gas Mark 6) and place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they're fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions

Lamb meatballs pair well with all sorts of side dishes and sauces. I love serving them with tzatziki sauce, a classic Greek yoghurt-based dip, or alongside a fresh Greek salad. For a complete Mediterranean meal, serve the meatballs over a bed of couscous or with warm pitta bread.

More Ideas for Your Lamb

Lamb meatballs are just the beginning when it comes to lamb recipes. Here are some variations and ideas to inspire your next lamb supper:

Experiment with Different Spices

You can enhance the flavour profile by trying different spice blends, such as za'atar or harissa, to create spiced lamb meatballs with a unique twist.

Make a Lamb Meatball Sandwich

Transform your meatballs into a hearty sandwich by placing them in a sub roll and topping with marinara sauce and melted cheese. This makes for a delicious and filling meal.

Add Them to Pasta

Pop your meatballs into a pasta dish, such as spaghetti or penne, and toss with marinara or Alfredo sauce for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

Lamb meatballs are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a flavourful and healthy meal. With their rich taste, nutritional benefits, and versatility, lamb meatballs can easily become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether you're preparing a quick weeknight supper or entertaining guests, this simple lamb meatballs recipe is sure to impress.

I hope you enjoy making these Mediterranean-style meatballs as much as I do.  

FAQs

Are lamb meatballs healthy?
Yes, lamb meatballs can be a healthy and nutritious option when made with quality ingredients. Lamb is a rich source of high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support energy levels and immune health. When combined with fresh herbs and spices, and cooked by baking or light pan-frying, lamb meatballs fit well into a balanced diet.

What is the best way to cook lamb meatballs?
Lamb meatballs can be cooked in several ways depending on your preference. Pan-frying gives them a delicious golden crust and rich flavour, while baking is a healthier alternative that requires less oil. Both methods work well for Mediterranean-style or Greek lamb meatballs, as long as they are cooked until browned and fully cooked through.