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Jamie Oliver Lamb Meatballs

Jamie Oliver Lamb Meatballs
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Jamie Oliver Lamb Meatballs are tender meatballs made from minced lamb, fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, and aromatic spices before being browned and simmered in a rich homemade tomato sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  • 500g minced lamb

  • 1 small onion, finely grated

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 50g fresh breadcrumbs

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Tomato Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes

  • 2 tablespoons tomato purée

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 150ml vegetable or chicken stock

  • Salt and black pepper

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh mint

  • Fresh parsley

  • Crumbled feta cheese

  • Grated Parmesan

  • Lemon wedges

  • Greek yogurt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Place the minced lamb into a large mixing bowl. Add the grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined without overworking the meat.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Using damp hands, roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a tray while preparing the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, oregano, stock, salt, and pepper. Stir well and allow the sauce to simmer gently while you brown the meatballs.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan. Cook the meatballs in batches for 6–8 minutes, turning frequently until browned on every side. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.

Step 5: Finish Cooking in the Sauce

Transfer the browned meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce. Cover and cook gently for 15–20 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and wonderfully tender.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of stock or water.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle over fresh parsley, mint, Parmesan, or feta before serving. Enjoy while hot with your preferred side dish.

Find it online: https://jamieolivereats.uk/lamb-meatballs/