Savory Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1 cup breadcrumbs, fresh
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon oregano, dried
• 1 teaspoon cumin, ground
• 1 teaspoon coriander, ground
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 cup Greek yogurt, plain
• 1 cup cucumber, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dill, fresh, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Method

1. 01
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 02
   In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper.
3. 03
   Mix the ingredients thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
4. 04
   Form the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
5. 05
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. 06
   Add the meatballs in batches and sear on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes.
7. 07
   Transfer the seared meatballs to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
8. 08
   While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir until well mixed.
9. 09
   Chill the tzatziki sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
10. 10
    Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
11. 11
    Serve the lamb meatballs with the tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.