Lamb Meatballs on Crostini with Feta

Savory Lamb Meatball Crostini: A Fusion of Rich Flavors and Fresh Aromas

Experience a captivating medley of flavors with Our Lamb Meatballs on Crostini with Feta. Each bite is a delightful dance of savory and fresh, creating a harmonious balance on your palate. The rich and flavorful lamb meatballs, seasoned with aromatic cumin and oregano, provide a hearty and robust foundation. The crostini offers a crispy and golden base, its subtle garlic notes adding an extra layer of flavor.

If you choose to add fresh mint, the leaves bring a burst of brightness, cutting through the richness of the lamb, while the crumbled feta adds a tangy and salty kick, enhancing the overall savoriness of the dish. The creamy Greek yogurt serves as the perfect finishing touch, adding a smooth and cooling element that ties all the flavors together.

Pair this delightful appetizer with a light and fruity Pinot Noir. The wine’s bright acidity and red berry notes complement the savory lamb, while its slight earthiness harmonizes with the cumin and oregano. The soft tannins of the Pinot Noir provide a gentle contrast to the crispiness of the crostini, making each bite and sip an unforgettable experience. Enjoy this exquisite combination, and let the flavors transport you to a world of culinary bliss.

Why Lamb and Mint?

Although we look at alternative flavor combinations to satisfy different palettes, mint and lamb have long been a classic pairing, cherished for their complementary flavors. The rich and robust taste of lamb finds its perfect counterpart in the bright and refreshing zest of mint. This herb acts as a palate cleanser, cutting through the fattiness of the lamb and bringing a burst of freshness that enhances the overall dining experience. The contrast between the savory meat and the cool, aromatic mint creates a balanced and harmonious dish, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. This timeless combination transcends cultures and cuisines, showcasing the magic that happens when contrasting flavors unite in perfect harmony.

Lamb Meatballs on Crostini with Feta

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Serves 12

Ingredients for Meatballs

• 1.5 lbs ground lamb
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 tsp dried oregano
• 1.5 tsp cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 large egg
• Olive oil, for cooking
• Garnish: Fresh rosemary, mint, chives, parsley – whatever greenery you choose to represent the holiday season. Variation photos below!

Ingredients for Crostinis

• 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
• Olive oil for brushing
• 1 clove garlic, peeled

Assembly

• Fresh mint leaves or other garnish
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Greek yogurt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Soak the breadcrumbs in milk in a small bowl for 5 minutes.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix until well combined.
4. Form the mixture into meatballs slightly smaller than the size of your crostini slices, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on the outside.
6. While meatballs are baking, brush baguette slices with olive oil on both sides and bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Once out of the oven, rub one side of each toasted slice with a garlic clove for added flavor.
7. To assemble, place a lamb meatball on each crostini slice. Top with a few fresh mint leaves or other garnish, a sprinkle of crumbled feta, and a small dollop of Greek yogurt. Garnish and serve immediately.

This recipe should yield 24-36 meatballs on crostini, assuming 2-3 per person, which should comfortably serve 12 people as an appetizer. Adjust the quantity according to the number of slices in your baguette and the size of your meatballs.

Try different flavors! Roast cherry tomatoes in olive oil and herbs, add rosemary, aromatic sun-dried tomatoes, fresh cucumber slices, try a few variations, twist and tweak this recipe to make it your own. Check out our own variations below!

Wine Recommendation
A light red wine like Pinot Noir can complement the savory lamb meatballs while not overpowering the fresh herbs and feta. The wine’s bright acidity can also help cut through the richness of the meat.

Companion Recipe
Serve the Lamb Meatballs with a side of roasted red pepper and walnut dip, which provides a sweet and nutty contrast to the savory lamb.

Cocktail Recommendation
A Mediterranean Mule, made with vodka, fresh lemon juice, pomegranate juice, and ginger beer, served over ice with a sprig of mint, can offer a fruity and spicy kick to complement the appetizer.

Mocktail Recommendation
A Pomegranate Spritzer, made with pomegranate juice, fresh lemon juice, and sparkling water, served over ice with a lemon wedge, can provide a non-alcoholic and refreshing option with flavors that echo the Mediterranean theme of the dish.

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