Kofta Meatballs with Sweet and Sour Cherry Sauce

ingredients:

FOR THE CHERRY SAUCE

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 shallot, chopped (or 2 tablespoons diced red onion)
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 3 teaspoons honey
• splash of Brandy (optional)
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh mintsalt and freshly ground black pepper, to tasteFor the Meatballs

• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1/4 cup sparkling water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

directions:

To make the Cherry Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and shallot and saute until tender. Add the cherries, honey, lemon juice, water and cinnamon and bring mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and allow to simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the mint.

To make the Meatballs
Preheat oven to 375F.

In a large mixing bowl, add the ground lamb, sparkling water, garlic, cloves, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, salt and pepper. Mix lightly to incorporate all ingredients. Form mixture into small meatballs.

In a large frying pan over medium high, add olive oil. Add meatballs and fry, turning often to brown all over, about 5-7 minutes. You might have to cook meatballs in batches if your pan is too small. After browning all the meatballs, place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake in oven for 10 minutes to cook through. Drizzle with the cherry sauce just before serving.