Pepper Monkey Lamb Meatballs Recipe

Name: Pepper Monkey Lamb Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 bunch fresh cilantro; 1/2 to 1 jalapeno, depending on how spicy you want your sauce; 1 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves; 3 cloves garlic; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons seasoned salt; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 teaspoon agave nectar; 1 tablespoon cumin seeds (see Notes); 2 tablespoons coriander seeds; Seeds from 4 cardamom pods; Seeds from 2 star anise; 1 tablespoon ground turmeric; 3 tablespoons seasoned salt; 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon cayenne; 4 to 5 pounds ground lamb (see Notes); 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons peeled, finely chopped fresh ginger; 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1/2 bunch fresh mint, chopped; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1 cup cooked spinach, chopped

Servings: persons

1 bunch fresh cilantro
1/2 to 1 jalapeno, depending on how spicy you want your sauce
1 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves
3 cloves garlic
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons seasoned salt
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon agave nectar
1 tablespoon cumin seeds (see Notes)
2 tablespoons coriander seeds
Seeds from 4 cardamom pods
Seeds from 2 star anise
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
3 tablespoons seasoned salt
1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cayenne
4 to 5 pounds ground lamb (see Notes)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons peeled, finely chopped fresh ginger
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 bunch fresh mint, chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup cooked spinach, chopped

1
Make the Spicy Afghan Green Sauce: Combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. This can be done 1 to 3 days in advance. It is best to make the sauce at least 1 day in advance to give the flavors time to blend.
2
Preheat a grill to about 375u00b0F for direct cooking.
3
Make the meatballs: Place the cumin, coriander, cardamom seeds, and star anise in a small skillet over medium heat and toast until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Let cool, then grind in a spice or coffee grinder. Add the turmeric, seasoned salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and cayenne and mix well.
4
Place the ground lamb in a large bowl. Add the spices along with the onion, ginger, garlic, mint, feta, and spinach and mix well, but do not overmix as this will result in a tough texture. Form the mixture into meatballs 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
5
Place the meatballs on the grill grate and cook for about 14 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160u00b0F on a meat thermometer, rotating the meatballs frequently to ensure that they caramelize evenly.
6
Serve with the dipping sauce.

468

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 24 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 bunch fresh cilantro, 1/2 to 1 jalapeno, depending on how spicy you want your sauce, 1 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves, 3 cloves garlic, and more.

Yes, Pepper Monkey Lamb Meatballs falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Pepper Monkey Lamb Meatballs

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions