Grilled Lamb Meatballs with Salsa Verde

By courtneyepowell

Ingredients

• MEATBALLS
• 3 slices white sandwich bread, torn into large pieces
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 small onion, quartered
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 large egg white
• 2 teaspoons coarse salt
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
• SALSA VERDE
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 2 tablespoons juice
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
• 2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves (from 1 bunch)
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves (from 1 bunch)
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Preparation

Step 1

STEP 1
Meatballs: Working in batches, pulse bread into coarse crumbs in a food processor. Transfer to a bowl, drizzle with milk, and let stand 10 minutes.

STEP 2
Meanwhile, puree onion and garlic in processor until smooth. Add egg white, salt, and pepper; pulse to combine. Stir onion mixture into breadcrumbs. Add lamb and pork; gently mix until just combined. With dampened hands, form mixture into 1-inch-diameter balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use, up to 1 day. (Or freeze until firm, then transfer to resealable plastic bags and freeze up to 1 month; thaw overnight in refrigerator.)

STEP 3
Preheat grill for direct heat. Thread 2 meatballs onto each skewer and brush with oil. Grill meatballs, turning a few times, until just cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes.

STEP 4
Salsa verde: Stir together lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper flakes in a bowl until salt is dissolved. Puree lemon mixture with herbs and oil in processor until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto surface. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve, up to 1 day; dollop onto warm meatballs.