Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 lbs ground lamb
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp chopped cilantro, plus additional leaves, for garnish
  • 3 tbsp chopped parsley, plus additional leaves, for garnish
  • 2 tsp dried mint
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp harissa powder
  • 1 tsp ras el hanout
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts
  • None None Olive oil and flaky sea salt, for pine nuts
  • None None Lemon wedges, to serve
  • None None FOR THE SAUCE
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 medium onions, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro

Method

  • Place ground lamb, onion, salt, cilantro, parsley, dried mint, cumin, harissa powder and ras el hanout in a large bowl. Add 3 tbsp water and mix until combined. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • For the sauce, heat olive oil in a large deep skillet on medium heat. Cook onion and garlic, stirring, until tender and lightly colored. Add paprika, turmeric, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, for 1 min. Add tomatoes, herbs and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 15 mins.
  • Shape the lamb mixture into small balls with wet hands. Add the meatballs to the hot sauce. Cover and cook for 5 mins. Remove cover and cook gently for 25 mins. Stir gently with a large spoon from time to time.
  • Meanwhile, fry pine nuts in a small oiled skillet on low heat until they color. Transfer to a plate and season with sea salt.
  • Remove meatballs to a bowl. Increase heat to medium-high. Cook until sauce is thickened. Return meatballs to pan, adding any juices on the plate.
  • Sprinkle with pine nuts and additional cilantro and parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.