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Food & Wine Recipe

Mini Meatballs with Yogurt-Dill Sauce

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  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 30 MIN
  • SERVINGS: MAKES ABOUT 4 DOZEN MEATBALLS
  • •FAST
  • •MAKE-AHEAD


  1. 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  2. 1 pound ground lamb
  3. 1/2 cup minced onion
  4. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
  5. 2 extra-large eggs
  6. 2 tablespoons chopped mint
  7. 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  8. 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  9. 1/4 cup chopped dill
  10. 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  11. Salt
  12. One 8-ounce container Greek yogurt or plain whole milk yogurt
  13. 1 tablespoon milk
  1. Preheat the broiler. Brush a rimmed baking sheet with the olive oil.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the lamb with the onion, bread crumbs, eggs, mint, lemon juice, cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of the dill, 2 teaspoons of the garlic and 1 teaspoon of salt; knead until combined. Form the mixture into 1 1/4-inch meatballs. Arrange the meatballs on the oiled baking sheet and broil as close to the heat as possible for 6 minutes, turning the pan halfway through, until firm and lightly browned.
  3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the yogurt with the remaining 3 tablespoons of dill and 2 teaspoons of garlic; whisk in the milk and season with salt. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and serve with the sauce.
Make Ahead The recipe can be prepared up to 1 day ahead. Reheat the meatballs before serving.