Good Food Done Smarter.
About the Recipe
I wanted to step outside the usual and try something a little different, but without straying too far from everyday ingredients. Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Golden Herb Rice brings warmth and depth with cinnamon, nutmeg, and turmeric-infused rice, while the fresh herbs in both the meatballs and sauce add brightness to balance it all. The result is a comforting yet elevated dish where familiar flavors come together in a whole new way.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 ½ - 2 lbs ground lamb
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 large cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup chopped parsley
¼ cup chopped basil
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp five-spice powder
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
For the Rice:
1 tbsp butter
2 cups rice, washed
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp nutmeg
1 tsp turmeric
Water, as needed
For the Herb Sauce:
¼ cup chopped parsley
¼ cup chopped basil
¼ cup chopped dill
½ cup cottage cheese
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp oil
Splash of lime juice
Preparation
Equipment Needed:
Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Large saucepan with lid
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring spoons and cups
Knife and cutting board
Blender or small mixing bowl
Tongs or spoon
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Mix well until fully incorporated.
Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) until a crust forms, about 15-20 minutes. They will finish cooking in the rice.
Cook the Rice
In a large pot or deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add the washed rice and stir in the cinnamon, garam masala, nutmeg, and turmeric until the grains are fully coated in the spices.
Pour in enough water to cover the rice and bring to a simmer.
Gently place the partially cooked meatballs on top, cover, and allow to cook.
Monitor the rice and add more water as needed until fully cooked and fluffy, about 20-25 minutes.
Prepare the Herb Sauce
While the rice is cooking, blend or mix all the sauce ingredients until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble and Serve
Once the rice and meatballs are fully cooked, plate the dish.
Drizzle the herb sauce over the meatballs and rice, garnishing with extra basil for a fresh finishing touch.