SWEET AND SPICY GREEK MEATBALLS (KEFTEDES ME SALTSA DOMATA)

Sweet and Spicy Greek Meatballs (Keftedes me Saltsa Domata) image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 29m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 pound ground lamb, or 20-percent fat ground beef
1 cup cooked and cooled couscous (see Cook's Note)
3 scallions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 egg, at room temperature, beaten
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons dried mint
1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 (25-ounce) jar marinara sauce
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Steps:

For the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together the lamb, couscous, scallions, garlic, egg, parsley, olive oil, mint, oregano, salt, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Form the mixture into 15 to 16 (2-inch diameter) meatballs.
For the sauce: Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until brown on all sides, about 6 minutes. Add the marinara sauce, cinnamon sticks, and ground cinnamon. Bring the sauce to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Discard the cinnamon sticks. Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a large bowl and serve.