Spicy Lamb Meatballs And Lentils

Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins Preparation Time: 45 mins Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 750 g lean ground lamb
• 200 g bacon, rashers de-rinded and diced
• 2 tablespoons water
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 3 tablespoons mint, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 pinch oregano
• 1 pinch thyme
• 1 pinch clove
• 1 pinch cardamom
• fresh ground black pepper
• salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled,left whole
• 1 1/2 cups lentils
• 2 cups canned diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 5 sprigs parsley
• 1 sprig thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra
• 3 tablespoons mint, finely chopped for garnish

Recipe

• 1 in a bowl, combine lamb, bacon, water, garlic, mint, parsley, spices and seasoning.
• 2 mix well.
• 3 (this can also be done in a food processor but do not process the mixture to a puree, just process in short bursts to combine).
• 4 divide the mixture into about 25-30 small meatballs- flatten a little to a disc shape.
• 5 place on tray and refrigerate until ready to use.
• 6 to prepare the lentils, heat the olive oil in pan and add the onion, carrot and cloves of garlic and saute for 5 minutes until the onions have become transparent.
• 7 add the lentils and stir to coat with the oil, about 2-3 minutes.
• 8 add 1 cup tomatoes, chicken stock, seasoning and bouquet garni.
• 9 bring to the boil and turn down to a simmer.
• 10 cover and cook until the lentils are tender.
• 11 discard the bouquet garni.
• 12 heat extra olive oil in a pan and saute the meatballs in batches in a single layer.
• 13 remove and add to the lentils.
• 14 continue to simmer the meatballs and lentils for 15 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
• 15 add the remaining cup of tomatoes and cook a further 10 minutes.
• 16 taste and adjust seasoning.
• 17 serve in large soup plates and garnish with the mint.