Best Spicy Lamb Meatballs & Green Goddess Dip Recipe!
This recipe features tender, juicy lamb meatballs seasoned with a blend of warming spices, paired with a cool and creamy Green Goddess dip. It’s a perfect balance of heat and freshness, ideal for any occasion.
- Author: Crumella
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-frying or Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Ground Lamb
- Fresh Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Onion
- Garlic
- Fresh Herbs (Mint & Parsley)
- Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Smoked Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes)
- Olive Oil
- Mayonnaise
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Chives, Tarragon, Dill)
- Lemon Juice
- Garlic
- Anchovy Paste (Optional but Recommended)
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Step 1: Prepare Your Green Goddess Dip – In a food processor or blender, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chopped fresh parsley, chives, tarragon, dill, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and the anchovy paste (if using). Pulse and blend until smooth and vibrant green. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Transfer to a small bowl, cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Mix the Lamb Meatball Mixture – In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, fresh breadcrumbs, egg, finely minced onion, minced garlic, chopped fresh mint, chopped fresh parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently mix until just combined.
- Step 3: Form the Meatballs – Roll the lamb mixture into 1-inch to 1.5-inch balls, yielding about 20-24 meatballs. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 4: Cook the Meatballs – Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes until browned on all sides. For cooking through, either reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
- Step 5: Serve – Arrange the hot spicy lamb meatballs on a platter and serve immediately with the chilled Green Goddess Dip on the side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Don't overmix the meatballs to avoid toughness. Ensure even sizing for uniform cooking. A good sear adds flavor, and chilling the dip is crucial for flavor development. Customize spice levels to your preference.