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Pepper Monkey Lamb Meatballs

This vibrant recipe for spiced lamb meatballs offers a sophisticated twist on a classic savoury favourite. Infused with a complex blend of toasted spices including cardamom, star anise, and cinnamon, these meatballs are incredibly flavourful without being overly heavy. The addition of fresh spinach and salty feta provides a delicious moisture, ensuring the lamb remains succulent throughout the grilling process.

As a diabetes-friendly dish, this recipe focuses on high-quality protein and fresh aromatics rather than sugary glazes. The accompanying Afghan green sauce, made with Greek yoghurt and fresh mint, provides a cooling contrast to the warmth of the spices. Serve these on their own as a nutritious appetiser or alongside a fresh seasonal salad for a complete, wholesome meal that is both comforting and heart-healthy.

Video consigliati per Ricette adatte ai diabetici

Ingredients for Pepper Monkey Lamb Meatballs

  • 1 bunch fresh coriander

  • 1/2 to 1 jalapeño, depending on how spicy you want your sauce

  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves

  • 3 cloves garlic

  • 150g plain Greek yoghurt

  • 2 tablespoons seasoned salt

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • 1 teaspoon agave nectar

  • 1 tablespoon cumin seeds (see Notes)

  • 2 tablespoons coriander seeds

  • Seeds from 4 cardamom pods

  • Seeds from 2 star anise

  • 1 tablespoon ground turmeric

  • 3 tablespoons seasoned salt

  • 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon cayenne

  • 4 to 2.3kg lamb mince (see Notes)

  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

  • 2 tablespoons peeled, finely chopped fresh ginger

  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

  • 1/2 bunch fresh mint, chopped

  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

  • 1 cup cooked spinach, chopped

Make the Spicy Afghan Green Sauce: Combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. This can be done 1 to 3 days in advance. It is best to make the sauce at least 1 day in advance to give the flavours time to blend.

Preheat a grill to about 191°C for direct cooking.

Make the meatballs: Place the cumin, coriander, cardamom seeds, and star anise in a small skillet over medium heat and toast until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Let cool, then grind in a spice or coffee grinder. Add the turmeric, seasoned salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and cayenne and mix well.

Place the lamb mince in a large bowl. Add the spices along with the onion, ginger, garlic, mint, feta, and spinach and mix well, but do not overmix as this will result in a tough texture. Form the mixture into meatballs 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

Place the meatballs on the grill grate and cook for about 14 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 71°C on a meat thermometer, rotating the meatballs frequently to ensure that they caramelize evenly.

Serve with the dipping sauce.

Avvertenza

Sebbene sia stato fatto ogni sforzo per garantire che le informazioni siano accurate e aggiornate, le esigenze individuali possono variare e i requisiti dietetici possono differire in base alle condizioni di salute personali. Controlla sempre le etichette degli alimenti e le informazioni sugli allergeni prima di preparare o consumare qualsiasi ricetta. Se hai preoccupazioni specifiche per la salute, allergie, intolleranze o stai seguendo una dieta prescritta dal medico, consulta il tuo medico di base, farmacista o un dietista registrato prima di apportare cambiamenti significativi alla tua dieta o stile di vita.

Storia dell'articolo

Le informazioni su questa pagina sono revisionate da clinici qualificati.

  • 28 Gen 2026 | Pubblicato originariamente

    Autore:

    Redattori di ricette del Regno Unito

    Revisione paritaria di

    Redattori di ricette del Regno Unito
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