Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/3 cup minced onion
  • 1 large clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • 1/2 cup fine fresh breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, beaten lightly
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds, lightly toasted
  • 1 cup chutney (use your favorite)
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • Cucumber and Cilantro Yogurt Dip, for serving

Method

  • Heat the oil in a small, nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
  • Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until softened.
  • Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the salt, cumin, cayenne, allspice, and cinnamon.
  • Add the lamb, breadcrumbs, egg, and sesame seeds and combine well.
  • Form the mixture into 1/4-inch meatballs, arranging them on a tray.
  • Preheat the oven to 450F.
  • Bake the meatballs in the upper third of the oven until golden and just cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat the chutney and orange juice in a large saucepan.
  • Toss in the cooked meatballs and stir gently to coat.
  • Remove the meatballs to a warm serving platter and serve with the yogurt dip.