Meatballs With Grilled Pitas And Mint Yogurt Sauce Food

LAMB MEATBALLS WITH POMEGRANATE SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300°F In a large bowl combine egg, bread crumbs, chopped mint, 2 cloves minced garlic, salt and pepper. Add lamb and mix well. Shape into about 32 meatballs and set aside.
• To prepare the sauce bring the pomegranate juice to a boil in a medium saucepan. reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, about 25 minutes until reduce to about 1/2 cup. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Brown the meatballs, in batches, being sure to turn meatballs a few times for even browning. Once browned transfer meatballs to a 15x10x1 inch baking dish. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until and instant read thermometer reads 160°F when inserted in a meatball.
• While meatballs are finishing prepare the yogurt sauce. In a medium bowl combine yogurt, 1 tablespoon snipped chives, and one minced garlic clove.
• To serve, drizzle meatballs with pomegranate sauce, sprinkle with remaining snipped chives and mint if desired. Serve with the yogurt sauce and toasted pita wedges.

GREEK MEATBALLS IN TOMATO YOGURT MINT SAUCE

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the egg, lamb, 1/4 cup yogurt and the next 7 ingredients; mix well.
• Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Form lamb mixture into 1-inch meatballs; place on a rimmed baking sheet.
• Bake in a 400 degree oven for about 15 minutes or until browned.
• Lower oven temperature to 350 degrees.
• Transfer meatballs to a 2 1/2 quart baking dish that has been coated with cooking spray.
• In a small bowl, whisk the tomato sauce, remaining yogurt, and mint; pour sauce over meatballs.
• Cover and bake 30 minutes; uncover and bake until bubbly (about 10 more minutes).
• Garnish with mint leaves.