Photo by City Share
City Share's Notes:
Expand1 pound ground lamb Ask a question about this ingredient
1/4 cup scallions, finely chopped Ask a question about this ingredient
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Ask a question about this ingredient
1/2 teaspoon cayenne Ask a question about this ingredient
1 teaspoon cumin Ask a question about this ingredient
1 teaspoon turmeric Ask a question about this ingredient
1 teaspoon allspice Ask a question about this ingredient
1 teaspoon salt Ask a question about this ingredient
3 tablespoons cooked oatmeal Ask a question about this ingredient
Put the lamb into a bowl and add the scallions, the spices, salt, oatmeal and egg. Work everything together thoroughly with your hands, and then place in the refrigerator for half an hour for the flavors to combine.
Ask a question about this stepScoop out some of the mixture and roll in your hands to form 1 inch meatballs. Place them on a plate until ready to cook.
Ask a question about this stepWhen the meatballs are ready, heat about 1/4-inch of oil in a frying pan. When the oil is hot, fry the meatballs in batches until golden brown all over (approx. 5-8 minutes for well done meatballs).
Ask a question about this stepThis looks delicious! Does the oatmeal add something in the flavor and/or texture? It looks like such an interesting addition I've not seen before.
Nate and Mary Kate are the authors of the cookbook Feeding the Dragon: A Culinary Travelogue through China with Recipes.
Honestly, the oatmeal was a happy accident. Meatball recipes usually call for some type of bread crumbs, and we didn't any bread or crumbs at home. Some meatloaf reciped include oatmeal, and I decided to give it a try in the meatballs. I used cooked steel cut oats (because I had some in the fridge), and I think it helps hold them together. I have no problem with crumbling meatballs, and it doesn't affect the flavor or texture.