Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup/ 125ml breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup/ 60ml milk
  • 1 pound/ 450g lean ground lamb
  • 1/2 cup/ 125ml grated pecorino cheese
  • 1 tablespoon/ 15ml Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon/ 15ml paprika
  • 1 teaspoon/ 5ml sambal oelek
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • salt & freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons/ 45ml olive oil
  • Sauce
  • 1 onion, minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery rib, finely diced
  • 1/2 fresh red chili pepper, minced
  • 2 cups/ 500ml canned tomatoes
  • 4 large fresh tomatoes, diced
  • 2 sprigs fresh oregano
  • salt & freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup/ 60ml soft fresh goat cheese
  • 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • naan bread, recipe follows, warmed and buttered, for serving
  • Naan Bread
  • 1 teaspoon/ 5ml active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons/ 30ml sugar
  • 1 teaspoon/ 5ml salt
  • 2 1/2 cups/ 625ml all-purpose flour, plus more for the work surface
  • canola oil, for the bowl and skillet
  • 1/2 cup/ 125ml butter, clarified or melted

Method

  • For the meatballs:
  • Soak the breadcrumbs in the milk. In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumb mixture, lamb, cheese, mustard, paprika, sambal, garlic, shallots and some salt and pepper. Form the mixture into about 20 small meatballs.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs on all sides until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • For the sauce:
  • In the same skillet, saute the onions until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic, carrots, celery and chiles and cook for 2 minutes more. Add the canned and fresh tomatoes, the oregano and 1/4 cup (60ml) water. Season with salt and pepper. Add the meatballs to the skillet and simmer until cooked through, about 20 minutes.
  • Divide the meatballs among plates and spoon the sauce on top. Add a spoonful of goat cheese and sprinkle with parsley. Serve with Naan Bread.
  • Naan Bread:
  • In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast with the sugar and salt in 1 cup (250ml) warm water. Let stand until frothy, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir in the flour to make a soft dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 5 minutes. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, turning to coat, and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  • Flatten the dough with your hands. Divide the dough into 8 pieces, each about the size of a golf ball. Roll into balls and place on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
  • Roll one ball of dough into a thin round on a lightly floured surface. Lightly oil a cast-iron skillet and heat until hot. Add the dough and cook until puffy and lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and brush the cooked side with butter. Continue cooking until browned, about 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining dough.