Lamb Meatballs with Cumin, Mint and Tomato Sauce
"Mint, cumin and chopped almonds give these delicious meatballs their Middle Eastern flavor. There's plenty of mint and cumin in the tomato sauce, too. Serve the meatballs and sauce over steamed couscous to be authentic. We think they're great over rice, too. WINE RECOMMENDATIONThanks to its warm cumin spiciness, refreshing herbal taste of mint, acidic tomatoes and meaty lamb, this dish is a challenge to wine. A medium-bodied red that has crisp acidity, not too much tannin, and flavor that isn't too assertive is the best bet. Spain's famous Rioja is just such a wine; if possible, try an older one, indicated by the words reserva or gran reserva on the label...."
INGREDIENTS
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1 1/2 pounds ground lamb
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3 tablespoons chopped blanched almonds
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3 tablespoons dried breadcrumbs
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5 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 teaspoons ground cumin
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1 1/2 teaspoons salt
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1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
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4 tablespoons cooking oil
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1 onion, chopped
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1 2/3 cups crushed tomatoes in thick puree (from a 15-ounce can)
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