Lamb Meatballs And Orzo Recipes

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Cut the lamb into 4cm chunks, then spread over the base of a large, wide casserole dish. Add the onions, oregano, cinnamon sticks, ground cinnamon and olive oil, then stir well. Bake, uncovered, for 45 mins, stirring halfway.
• Pour over the chopped tomatoes and stock, cover tightly, then return to the oven for 1½ hrs, until the lamb is very tender.
• Remove the cinnamon sticks, then stir in the orzo. Cover again, then cook for a further 20 mins, stirring halfway through. The orzo should be cooked and the sauce thickened. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and serve with crusty bread.

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl, beat the egg.
• Add in the ground lamb, garlic, onion, bread crumbs, milk, dill, salt and pepper; mix well to combine.
• Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
• Shape lamb mixture into 1-inch balls; place balls on a large baking sheet with a rim.
• Bake in a 400° oven for about 10 minutes or until browned.
• Take out of oven and set aside.
• Bring to chicken stock, lemon juice, and lemon zest to a boil in a saucepan over high heat.
• Add in the orzo; stir to combine.
• Boil for 1 minute.
• Transfer orzo mixture into a 2 1/2 quart baking dish that has been sprayed lightly with non-stick cooking spray; spread mixture out evenly.
• Place meatballs on top.
• Decrease oven temp to 350° and bake, covered, for 40-50 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
• Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Steps:

• Chop half the basil leaves and reserve the rest for serving. Mix the chopped basil with the mince, garlic and oregano. Season and roll into 20-24 meatballs.
• Heat the oil in a frying pan over a fairly high heat and brown the meatballs all over for 5-6 mins. Stir in the passata and bring to the boil. Turn down to a simmer and cook for another 10 mins.
• Bring a large pan of water to the boil and cook the orzo following pack instructions. Once cooked, drain and spoon onto a serving platter or individual plates. Top with the meatballs, then shave over the Parmesan and scatter with the reserved basil leaves.