SPICY LAMB MEATBALLS WITH RAISIN PESTO

Spicy Lamb Meatballs with Raisin Pesto image

Provided by Andy Baraghani

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 large egg
1/2 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. ground turmeric
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley, plus 1 cup parsley leaves with tender stems
2 Tbsp. plus 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more
2 garlic cloves, divided
1 lb. ground lamb
2 cups mint leaves
3 Tbsp. golden raisins
Plain whole-milk Greek yogurt (for serving)

Steps:

Place a rack in upper third of oven; preheat to 425°F. Combine egg, panko, cumin, red pepper flakes, turmeric, finely chopped parsley, 2 Tbsp. oil, and 1 1/2 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Finely grate 1 garlic clove into bowl. Add lamb and mix with your hands until evenly distributed.
Gently roll lamb mixture into 1 1/2"-diameter balls (about the size of a golf ball; you should have about 20). Place on a rimmed baking sheet, spacing evenly apart. Bake meatballs until browned and cooked through, 8-10 minutes.
Meanwhile, purée mint, raisins, parsley leaves with tender stems, remaining garlic clove, remaining 1/2 cup oil, and a big pinch of salt in a blender until smooth. Taste pesto; season with more salt if needed.
Spread yogurt over plates and divide pesto and meatballs on top.
Do Ahead
Pesto can be made 2 days ahead; cover and chill. Meatballs can be formed 2 months ahead; freeze on baking sheet until firm, about 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag and keep frozen.