Lamb Meatballs With Sour Cherries Pomegranates Pistachios Recipes

MEATBALLS IN SOUR CHERRY SAUCE (KABAB KARAZ)

Steps:

• Make the meatballs: Mix the lamb, salt and spice mixture (or allspice) and shape into small balls, the size of large marbles. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the meatballs just until lightly browned. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.
• Put the cherries, sugar and pomegranate molasses in a pot large enough to eventually hold the meatballs and bring to a bubble over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and, stirring occasionally, simmer for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Add the meatballs and simmer for another 15 minutes, until tender.
• Assemble the dish: Arrange the pita bread triangles all over a serving platter, coarse side up, making sure the pointed ends are nicely arranged on the outside. Drizzle the melted butter all over the bread. Spoon the meat and sauce over the bread. Sprinkle the chopped parsley all over, then the toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately.

POMEGRANATE-GLAZED LAMB MEATBALLS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, knead together the lamb, garlic, salt, orange zest and pepper until combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs. Transfer to a foil-lined baking sheet and brush with oil.
• Heat the broiler. Run meatballs under the broiler until golden and just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Brush immediately with pomegranate molasses. Spear with toothpicks, sprinkle with mint and serve.

PISTACHIO AND POMEGRANATE MEATBALLS (KUFTEH-YE PESTEH-O ANAR)

Steps:

• To make the meatballs: Place all the ingredients, except the ground turkey and egg, in a food processor and pulse until you have a grainy paste. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and add the turkey and egg. Lightly knead with your hands for a few minutes (do not over-mix). Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 10 minutes or up to 24 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Generously oil a wide, non-reactive baking dish, large enough to fit 24 meatballs, (about 12 x 14 in/30 x 35 cm) and set aside.
• Remove the turkey mixture from the fridge and shape into walnut-sized balls (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each, using an ice-cream scoop). Place the meatballs in the baking dish and brush well with oil. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, until bottoms of the meatballs are lightly golden.
• Meanwhile, in another mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the glaze.
• Spoon the glaze over the meatballs and bake for another 5 minutes to infuse them with the flavor of pomegranate.
• Garnish with the pomegranate arils and serve warm with the sauce. These meatballs are perfect for wrapping with sprigs of fresh basil in lavash bread or green lettuce.