Best 5 Spiced Meatballs With Yogurt Sauce Recipes

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**Spiced Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce: A Journey of Flavors**

Embark on a culinary adventure with our tantalizing Spiced Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce. These succulent meatballs, crafted with a harmonious blend of spices, are lovingly nestled in a creamy and refreshing yogurt sauce. Prepare to be captivated by the symphony of flavors as you savor each bite of this delectable dish.

This comprehensive article presents a diverse collection of recipes, each offering a unique take on the classic spiced meatballs. From the traditional Turkish köfte to the aromatic Indian kofta, these recipes explore the rich culinary heritage of various cultures.

Indulge in the bold flavors of our Turkish Köfte, where seasoned ground beef is combined with aromatic herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection. Experience the harmonious fusion of tangy yogurt sauce and zesty tomato sauce, creating a delectable balance of flavors.

Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of India with our fragrant Indian Kofta. Marinated in a tantalizing blend of yogurt, ginger, and garam masala, these succulent meatballs are grilled and served in a rich and creamy tomato sauce. The interplay of spices and herbs will leave you craving for more.

Delight in the simplicity and elegance of our Classic Spiced Meatballs. Crafted with a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, these meatballs are delicately seasoned with a touch of nutmeg and allspice, then simmered in a savory tomato sauce. The result is a timeless dish that showcases the essence of comfort food.

**Additional Tips:**

- For a vegetarian alternative, try replacing the ground beef with a combination of lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa.
- Experiment with different types of yogurt, such as Greek yogurt or kefir, to create a variety of textures and flavors in the sauce.
- Serve the meatballs with a selection of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad, to create a complete and satisfying meal.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

TURKISH SPICED MEATBALLS WITH POMEGRANATE YOGURT SAUCE



Turkish Spiced Meatballs with Pomegranate Yogurt Sauce image

Italian and Swedish meatballs, step aside. These Turkish meatballs are so juicy, light, and flavorful-not to mention easy-they'll be rocking your party world this holiday season.

Provided by Melissa Roberts

Categories     Lamb     Appetizer     Bake     Cocktail Party     Yogurt     Oscars     New Year's Eve     Ground Lamb     Spice     Family Reunion     Poker/Game Night     Shower     Pomegranate     Party     Pomegranate Juice     Gourmet     Sugar Conscious     Kidney Friendly     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free

Yield Makes about 42 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 15

Pomegranate yogurt sauce:
2 cups whole-milk yogurt or 1 cup labne or plain Greek yogurt
1 cup pomegranate juice
Pomegranate seeds for garnish (about 2 tablespoons, or to taste)
Meatballs:
2 slices firm white sandwich bread
1 small onion, chopped
1/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 pound ground lamb (preferably shoulder) or ground chuck
3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon hot red-pepper flakes (see Cooks' notes)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
Decorative picks

Steps:

  • Make Sauce:
  • Put yogurt in a paper towel-lined sieve set over a bowl and keep covered and chilled 8 to 12 hours.
  • Boil pomegranate juice in a small heavy saucepan until syrupy and reduced to about 2 tablespoons, about 10 minutes. Keep warm off heat, covered.
  • Make Meatballs:
  • Soak whole slices of bread for 30 minutes in a mixing bowl filled with water, then fold and squeeze gently to remove as much water as possible.
  • Pulse onion in a food processor until finely chopped, then add parsley and pulse again until finely chopped. Add lamb, bread (torn into pieces), allspice, red-pepper flakes, cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and pulse, stopping and scraping down sides, until combined. (Do not overblend.)
  • Roll level tablespoons of meat mixture into balls (about 42), arranging them on plates or on another sheet pan.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle. Line a large, rimmed sheet pan with foil.
  • Heat olive oil and vegetable oil together in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until oils shimmer (put one meatball in to test; it should sizzle). Brown meatballs all over in batches of 10 to 12, turning occasionally with a spoon or shaking skillet (lower heat if oil begins to smoke), about 2 minutes per batch. Transfer, as browned, to lined sheet pan.
  • Once all meatballs are browned, transfer the sheet pan to the oven and bake until meatballs are cooked through (cut one open to look, or use an instant-read thermometer; it should register 160°F), 10 to 15 minutes. Drain briefly on paper towels.
  • Spoon drained yogurt into a small serving bowl and drizzle with pomegranate syrup, then swirl it in briefly with a spoon. Sprinkle some pomegranate seeds over top. Spear each meatball with a toothpick and serve yogurt alongside for dipping.

SPICED MEATBALLS WITH YOGURT SAUCE



Spiced Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce image

Yogurt turns surprisingly velvety when cooked with cornstarch and egg yolks. Serve it over meatballs seasoned with cinnamon, cumin, and cilantro-and you've got an updated Turkish kofta for your beef dinner. Top it with red-pepper flakes and sumac (a lemony Middle Eastern spice) for an energetic lift.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Egg Recipes

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
6 large cloves garlic, 3 minced, 3 sliced
Coarse salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 large egg, plus 3 large yolks
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving
1 1/2 cups plain whole-milk yogurt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Cooked rice, for serving
Ground sumac and red-pepper flakes, for serving

Steps:

  • In a large straight-sided skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high. Add onion, minced garlic, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; cook, stirring, until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add cumin and cinnamon and cook, stirring, about 1 minute more. Transfer mixture to the bowl of a food processor; process to a paste.
  • In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup broth; let stand 5 minutes. Add beef, onion paste, whole egg, and cilantro; mix with your hands to combine. With lightly dampened hands, form mixture into 28 balls, about 2 tablespoons each.
  • Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in skillet over medium-high. Working in batches (do not crowd pan), cook meatballs until browned on all sides, about 7 minutes a batch. Transfer to a plate; pour off fat from skillet. Return meatballs to pan; add 3/4 cup broth and sliced garlic. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer just until meatballs are cooked through, about 6 minutes. Transfer meatballs to a plate with a slotted spoon.
  • In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and yogurt. In another bowl, whisk together cornstarch and remaining 1/4 cup broth; whisk into broth in skillet. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly, then strain through a sieve into yogurt mixture, stirring to combine. Return to skillet and cook over medium, stirring constantly, until just bubbling and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 1 minute; season with salt. Add meatballs to sauce and heat through. Serve over rice, sprinkled with sumac, red-pepper flakes, and cilantro.

GRILLED MEATBALLS WITH INDIAN-SPICED YOGURT SAUCE



Grilled Meatballs with Indian-Spiced Yogurt Sauce image

Provided by Abigail Kirsch

Categories     Beef     Appetizer     Broil     Yogurt     Dinner     Meat     Shower     Party     Sugar Conscious     Kidney Friendly     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     No Sugar Added

Yield 24 Hors d'Oeuvres

Number Of Ingredients 21

Meatballs
2 pounds ground beef round
1 large red onion, minced
2 large cloves garlic
3 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
Indian Spiced Yogurt Sauce
1 pint yogurt
2 medium cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Garnish
2 tablespoons minced curly parsley

Steps:

  • Meatballs
  • 1. Combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, soy sauce, eggs, ginger, salt, and pepper in the bowl. Mix the ingredients with your hands until they are well blended and hold together well.
  • 2. Preheat the broiler.
  • 3. Brush the baking sheet with 2 teaspoons of the oil. With your hands, form the meat mixture into 24 round balls and place them 1 1/2 inches apart on the baking sheet. (Each ball should weigh about 1/2 ounce.) Lightly moisten your hands before forming each ball to facilitate rolling. Brush the meatballs with the remaining oil and broil them, 4 inches from the heating element, 6 to 8 minutes, turning them once, until they are cooked through.
  • Place the meatballs in a shallow bowl with the Indian-Spiced Yogurt Sauce on the side, or cut off the top of a small round loaf of bread, remove the insides, and spoon the meatballs into the bread. Dust with chopped parsley for color.
  • Indian Spiced Yogurt Sauce
  • 1. Line the strainer with the cheesecloth. Place it over a bowl and spoon the yogurt into the strainer. Allow the yogurt to drain in the refrigerator for 3 hours.
  • 2. Transfer the drained yogurt from the cheesecloth to the other bowl and blend in the garlic, lemon juice, oil, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

SPICED LAMB MEATBALLS WITH YOGURT AND HERBS



Spiced Lamb Meatballs With Yogurt and Herbs image

These spice-loaded meatballs have a Turkish inflection. The warm yogurt sauce adds tang and richness, along with a sprinkling of tart sumac powder and chopped mint. American "Greek-style" yogurt is not always tart enough, but it can be thinned with a bit of buttermilk or even lemon juice. Whisking it with cornstarch and egg produces a silky sauce. Though the ingredient list looks long, this is a simple and impressive dish to make.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     dinner, easy, meatballs, main course

Time 1h

Yield 5 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 1/2 pounds ground lamb, not too lean (from a cut like shoulder or breast, not leg)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup finely diced red onion
1 teaspoon toasted ground cumin
1 teaspoon toasted ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of cayenne
3 eggs
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup plain, very tart yogurt (if using Greek-style yogurt, thin it with milk and lemon juice)
1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
1/2 teaspoon sumac
Crushed red-pepper flakes, to taste
Turmeric, for garnish (optional)
3 tablespoons chopped mint
2 tablespoons chopped dill
Cilantro sprigs

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, use your hands to combine lamb, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, onion, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and cayenne. Beat 2 of the eggs and add to meat, mixing until incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 24 hours to allow the seasonings to permeate the meat.
  • Using wet hands, break off walnut-sized pieces of lamb mixture, roll into spheres and set aside on a baking sheet. You should have about 30 1-ounce meatballs.
  • Heat oven to 225 degrees. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add meatballs in one layer and brown for 2 to 3 minutes. Turn and cook for 4 to 5 minutes more. (Work in batches, if necessary, to avoid crowding the pan.) Transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to blot any extra oil, then pile meatballs on a heatproof serving platter and keep warm in the oven.
  • Pour off any excess oil from skillet and turn heat to high. Add broth and bring to a simmer. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt; 1/2 teaspoon salt; remaining egg, beaten; and cornstarch. Pour yogurt mixture in a thin stream into the hot broth, whisking constantly. Turn heat down slightly and continue whisking until yogurt is heated through and slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Do not let mixture boil.
  • Pour hot yogurt sauce over meatballs. Sprinkle crumbled feta, sumac and crushed red pepper on top. Finish with pinches of turmeric, if using, and sprinkle with mint, dill and cilantro. Serve immediately with rice, orzo, pita bread or potatoes.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 481, UnsaturatedFat 18 grams, Carbohydrate 15 grams, Fat 35 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 26 grams, SaturatedFat 14 grams, Sodium 599 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams

CUMIN LAMB MEATBALLS WITH TAHINI YOGURT DIPPING SAUCE



Cumin Lamb Meatballs With Tahini Yogurt Dipping Sauce image

Meatballs are not the kind of thing one would usually think of as quick-and-easy-dinner fare. All that rolling and frying can take forever, making meatballs a weekend project for a leisurely afternoon. There are, however, shortcuts - if you can suppress your perfectionist urges. You can use this recipe as a template for whatever kind of ground meat you like. Lamb is earthy and works well with the creamy tahini sauce, reminiscent of a carnivore's falafel. But beef, turkey, veal or pork are good substitutes. And all will make equally good blobs and none will be a project. Just a fast and filling dinner any night of the week.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     dinner, easy, quick, main course

Time 20m

Yield 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/4 teaspoons coarse kosher salt, plus a pinch
1 pound ground lamb
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, more for serving
Black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon chile powder
1 scallion, minced
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
Olive oil, for greasing pan
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup tahini
Fresh lemon juice, to taste

Steps:

  • Heat broiler with an oven rack placed 3 inches below heat source.
  • Using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a knife, make a paste with garlic and a pinch of salt. Put half the garlic paste in a large bowl and add lamb, 1 teaspoon of the salt, cumin, hot sauce, pepper, chile powder, scallion and 1 tablespoon parsley. Mix to combine.
  • Shape lamb mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place on an oiled rimmed baking sheet. Make sure meatballs are spaced at least 1 inch apart. Transfer baking sheet to oven and broil meatballs for 8 to 10 minutes, or until browned on top and slightly pink on the inside.
  • Meanwhile, combine yogurt, tahini, remaining garlic paste,1/4 teaspoon salt and the lemon juice to taste.
  • Transfer cooked meatballs to a serving platter or individual plates and serve with tahini sauce and extra hot sauce, if you like. Garnish with the remaining parsley.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 448, UnsaturatedFat 22 grams, Carbohydrate 6 grams, Fat 38 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 22 grams, SaturatedFat 13 grams, Sodium 363 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram

Tips:

  • Mise en Place: Before starting, measure and prepare all ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
  • Choose High-Quality Beef: Opt for lean ground beef with a fat content of 85% or less for the best texture.
  • Mixing the Meatballs: Gently combine the meatball ingredients without overworking the mixture to prevent tough meatballs.
  • Forming the Meatballs: Use a small ice cream scoop or your hands to form uniform meatballs. Avoid packing them too tightly to allow for expansion during cooking.
  • Pan-Searing the Meatballs: Sear the meatballs in a large skillet over medium-high heat to create a flavorful crust and lock in the juices.
  • Baking the Meatballs: Transfer the seared meatballs to a baking dish and finish cooking in the oven to ensure they are cooked through.
  • Making the Yogurt Sauce: Combine plain yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and paprika in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve the meatballs with the yogurt sauce, pita bread, or rice. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.

Conclusion:

These spiced meatballs with yogurt sauce offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures. By following the tips and instructions provided, you can create perfectly juicy and flavorful meatballs that are complemented by the tangy and creamy yogurt sauce. Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. The combination of spices, herbs, and the cooling yogurt sauce creates a harmonious dish that is both satisfying and refreshing. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary journey to create this delicious and memorable dish.

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