Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 12 teaspoon black pepper
  • 14 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 12 teaspoon cumin seed, toasted and coarsely ground
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
  • 12 ounces ground chicken (can substitute ground beef, lamb, turkey, pork, etc.)
  • 14 cup dried cherries (I used a combination of tart and sweet dried cherries)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 12 cup cherry preserves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest, grated
  • 1 -2 chipotle chile in adobo, minced (I cheated and added 1/2 tablespoon Tabasco 'Chipotle' Sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder (I used a rich, dark chocolate powder)
  • flat bread (such as naan or Greek pita)
  • butter lettuce leaf
  • red onion (sliced in rings or diced)
  • tomatoes, sliced or cherry tomatoes, halved
  • smoked gouda cheese, grated (we used a combination of Tillamook's Extra Sharp Vintage White Cheddar and Rogue Creamery's 'Smoky B)
  • fresh cilantro, minced (my addition)

Method

  • Meatballs: In a bowl, beat egg, salt, pepper, allspice, cumin seeds and parsley.
  • Add chicken and mix until combined (do not overwork).
  • Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • With wet hands, form 20 meatballs, then flatten slightly into thick patties.
  • Grill or fry in a pan until cooked through, about 4 minutes per side.
  • Keep warm.
  • Cherry-Chipotle BBQ Sauce: Soak dried cherries in hot water for 10 min, then drain well.
  • After draining the cherries, I chopped them up into smaller pieces using a wet knife.
  • Mix all ingredients together in medium-sized saucepan (use more or less chilies to taste).
  • Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to LOW, cooking for 10 minutes, stirring often.
  • Do not let the sauce dry out.
  • Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
  • To Assemble the Sandwiches: Heat flat bread on the grill.
  • Place some BBQ sauce in the center, then lettuce, onion and tomatoes.
  • Add grated cheese of your choice, fresh cilantro and top with 2-3 meatballs.
  • Drizzle with more BBQ sauce.
  • Enjoy!
  • Assembly:.