MEATBALLS WITH SPICED TOMATO SAUCE

MEATBALLS WITH SPICED TOMATO SAUCE image

Yield 6 people

Number Of Ingredients 18

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1 tablespoon olive oil $
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion $
1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic $
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs $
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint $
1/2 pound ground lamb
1/2 pound 90% lean ground beef $
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
1 large egg, lightly beaten $
1/2 cup chopped onion $
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes $
1/4 cup water
3 (6-inch) whole-wheat pitas, halved and warmed
Small mint leaves $

Steps:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons onion and garlic; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Cool slightly. Combine onion mixture, breadcrumbs, and mint; add lamb, beef, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and egg; stir gently. Shape into 30 (1-inch) meatballs. 2. Return pan to medium-high; add meatballs. Cook 4 minutes. Remove meatballs from pan. Add 1/2 cup onion to pan; sauté 2 minutes. Add ginger and next 3 ingredients; simmer 5 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Return meatballs to pan; simmer 20 minutes or until done. Serve with pitas. Sprinkle with mint leaves.