TANDOORI MEATBALLS WITH CILANTRO RAITA

Tandoori Meatballs with Cilantro Raita image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h20m

Yield 8 servings (about 32 meatballs)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Vegetable oil, for greasing baking sheet
1 pound ground beef
1 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons tamarind chutney, plus more for serving
1 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon cayenne, optional
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
Bibb or green leaf lettuce, torn into 4-inch pieces, for serving
1/4 cup finely grated cucumber, for garnish

Steps:

Cook's Note: If tamarind chutney is unavailable, you can substitute apple butter with a bit of lemon juice and cayenne stirred in.
1. Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat and cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, the curry powder and two-thirds of the garlic and continue cooking, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and let cool.
2. Lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet. Add the beef, 1/4 cup of the yogurt, the breadcrumbs, tamarind chutney, paprika, cayenne , if using, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and the eggs to the onion mixture. Combine the ingredients using your hands. Form into 1 1/4- inch balls, rolling them lightly between your hands to shape. Place on the oiled baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Bake the meatballs until browned, about 20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, stir together the remaining 3/4 cup yogurt, remaining garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and cilantro in a small bowl. Arrange each meatball on top of a piece of lettuce on a platter. Top with grated cucumber and a bit of tamarind chutney and serve with the yogurt dipping sauce.