Mediterranean Pasta with Lamb Meatballs

Recipe courtesy Elaine Jones, Salt Lake City, UT

Show: Ultimate Recipe ShowdownEpisode: Ultimate Recipe Showdown: Pasta

Rated 5 stars out of 5
  • Rate This Recipe
  • Read 4 Reviews
Total Time:
55 min
Prep
25 min
Cook
30 min
Yield:
6 servings
Level:
Intermediate
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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground lamb
  • Spice mix, divided, recipe follows
  • 15 mini unsalted matzoh crackers, ground into crumbs
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced, divided
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1 cup feta cheese, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 shallots, minced
  • 2 (28-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3/4 cup fat free, low-sodium chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced
  • 12 ounces spaghetti

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

For meatballs: combine lamb, 2 teaspoons of the spice mix, the ground matzoh crackers, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 3/4 cup feta cheese. Mix until combined but do not overmix. Divide into 16 equal portions; shape into meatballs. Place meatballs on rack over cookie sheet so grease will drain from meatballs while cooking; bake 20 minutes.

For sauce: heat olive oil in saucepan over medium heat and add shallots and remaining garlic. Cook until limp and translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, remainder of spice mix, cinnamon, pepper, remainder of the salt, chicken stock, and parsley. Bring to boil; reduce to a simmer and cook until thick, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.

To cooked sauce add sliced green onion, and meatballs stirring gently to coat. Serve meatballs with sauce over pasta and garnish with remaining feta cheese.

Spice mix:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated onion

In a blender or coffee grinder pulse coriander, rosemary, thyme, cumin, marjoram, oregano, and onion until a fine consistency.

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Newest Ratings and Reviews

Read all 4 reviews

  • on April 05, 2010

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    My husband is Italian and was so disgusted with this dish. I will have to make it when he is not around for dinner. I thought it was a nice change of pace. But I am more open minded when it comes to food; I would use it like a summer gravy since it is light and fresh tasting.

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  • on April 05, 2008

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    This is a very quick and tasty variation of spaghetti and meatballs. I used 1/4 cup matzoh meal because I couldn't find the mini crackers. The dish was delicious. I'll definitely make this again.

    people found this review Helpful.
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  • on March 30, 2008

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    Refreshing difference from the standard meatball. Very good! Couldn't find mini unsalted matzoh crackers, so I used the regular matzoh crackers (4" square-1 1/2 of these to equals 15 mini crackers. I agree with John from Weaverville, I'd definitely increase the amount of sauce the next time.

    people found this review Helpful.
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