Lamb Meatballs with Barberries and Mint Yogurt

Barberries - a small, dried, tart  fruit - add a sweet and sour twist to this Eastern Mediterranean take on the traditional Italian meatball. A spice blend including mint, along with the use of ground lamb and a Greek yogurt garnish elevate the dish to a brand new level of globally-inspired flavor.

Ingredients

Procedure

For the Mint Yogurt:

1. Mix yogurt and mint in small bowl until. Cover. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

For the Spiced Lamb Meatballs:

1. Heat oil in large skillet on medium heat. Add onion, 2 tablespoons of the barberries, garlic powder, allspice, cumin, paprika, sea salt, and pepper; cook and stir until onions and barberries are tender, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2. Mix lamb, egg, panko and cooled onion mixture in large bowl. Shape into 20 (1 1/2") meatballs.
3. Brown meatballs, in batches if necessary, in same large skillet on medium heat. Remove meatballs from skillet. Set aside.
4. Cook and stir shallots in same skillet on medium heat until golden brown. Stir in remaining ingredients and another 1 tablespoon barberries. Bring to boil.
5. Return meatballs to skillet. Reduce heat and simmer until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.

For Plating & Serving:

1. Serve meatballs and sauce topped with the mint yogurt and remaining 1 tablespoon barberries.