Gourmet Gameday: Chimichurri Lamb Meatballs with Crazy Feta
We’re not blessed with a Cava in Sacramento, so we’re forced to make it ourselves! It pairs perfectly with American Lamb.
Ingredients
crazy feta
2 jalapeños
½ yellow onion
1 bulb of garlic
about 2 tbsp olive oil
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
16 ounces feta (2 blocks)
2 tbsp plain yogurt
2 to 3 tbsp olive oil
juice & zest of ½ a lemon
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
NOTE: this makes extra dip (trust us, you’ll thank us later)
chimichurri
½ small shallot, minced
¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tablespoon fresh oregano, minced
Big pinch of kosher salt, plus more to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
Big pinch of red pepper flakes
¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
meatballs
2lbs ground American lamb
¾ cup bread crumbs
2 large eggs
Salt
Step 1
make Crazy feta
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Step 2
Cut the head of the garlic bulb off and drizzle with some olive oil. Cover and wrap tightly in foil.
Step 3
To a sheet pan, add the foil wrapped garlic along with jalapeños (cut in half) and onions (cut in large chunks). Drizzle the jalapeños and onions with olive oil.
Step 4
Place in the oven to roast. After 20 minutes, remove the jalapeños from the oven to cool. Let the onions and garlic continue roasting. After 10 more minutes, the onions and garlic should both be done.
Step 5
To a food processor, add the feta, yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, roasted jalapeños, roasted onion, and roasted garlic.
Step 6
Pulse until you have the consistency of a very thick spread with small chunks. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Step 7
make chimichurri
Add all ingredients under ‘chimichurri’ to a bowl and mix
Step 8
Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 9
make meatballs
In a large bowl, mix together ½ cup prepared chimichurri with bread crumbs, toss to combine.
Step 10
Add in the lamb, eggs, and salt. Mix well with your hands until the breadcrumb mixture is completely incorporated.
Step 11
Scoop the mixture into 1 ½ inch balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 12
After all the balls are scooped, roll each meatball in your hands with a small bowl of water next to you, dipping your fingers to prevent sticking
Step 13
Bake for 15 minutes, then broil for 5 more minutes until the meatballs are browned. The internal temperature should have reached 165°F.
Step 14
Spread the crazy feta on the bottom of a serving platter and place the meatballs on top, garnish with extra chimichurri and enjoy!
