Juicy Lamb Meatballs with Caramelized Onions

Method6 steps · about 55 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (about 218°C). Slice the three sauce onions and prepare the grated onion, chopped parsley and minced garlic as listed.

2. 2

   Step 2: Heat the 3 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced sauce onions and a generous pinch from the kosher salt allowance. Cook for about 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully softened and deep golden brown. Watch them closely and lower the heat if they start to burn. Make the meatballs alongside this cooking phase.

   Caramelize the onions · 20 minUses 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, for the sliced onions · 3 medium yellow onions, sliced into ¼-inch rings · Kosher salt, a generous pinch for the onions

3. 3

   Step 3: While watching and stirring the onions, mix the grated small onion, ground lamb (1½ lb), breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, Baharat and cardamom (¼ tsp) in a large bowl. Season with another generous pinch from the kosher salt allowance and black pepper. Shape the complete mixture into roughly 2 tbsp portions, giving about 18–20 meatballs.

   Uses 1 small yellow onion, grated · 1½ lb ground lamb, 80% lean / 20% fat · ⅓ cup plain fine dry breadcrumbs · ½ bunch fresh parsley, leaves chopped · 1 egg · 2 garlic cloves, minced · 1½ tsp Baharat spice blend · ¼ tsp ground cardamom

4. 4

   Step 4: Once the onions are fully caramelized, turn off the heat and carefully stir the 1 cup sauce water into the pan. Nestle all the shaped raw meatballs into this onion sauce and spoon some onions over them.

   Uses Caramelized onions and their cooking oil · 1 cup water, for the onion sauce · Complete batch of shaped raw meatballs

5. 5

   Step 5: Bake on the center rack of the fully heated oven for about 25–30 minutes, until cooked through and at least 71°C (160°F) in the centers. Occasionally spoon some of the pan’s onion sauce over the meatballs while they bake.

   Bake the lamb meatballs · 25 minUses Raw meatballs nestled in onion sauce

6. 6

   Step 6: Spoon the cooked meatballs and onions onto plates with as much onion sauce as desired. If a large pool of excess rendered fat remains, remove it before serving. Serve on their own or with optional ready cooked rice or ready hummus.

   Uses Cooked meatballs and onions · Desired serving portion of onion sauce · Ready cooked basmati rice or rice with vermicelli, optional, for serving · Ready hummus, optional, for serving