Pomegranate Molasses Lamb Meatballs with Sumac Yogurt

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb meatballs glazed with tangy pomegranate molasses and served with a bright sumac-spiced yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground lamb, finely chopped onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, about 16 total.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and nearly cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Brush the meatballs with 3 tbsp pomegranate molasses and cook for an additional 2 minutes, turning to glaze evenly and caramelize slightly.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, stir 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 tsp sumac spice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Serve the glazed meatballs hot with the sumac yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pomegranate Molasses Lamb Meatballs with Sumac Yogurt take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pomegranate Molasses Lamb Meatballs with Sumac Yogurt?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pomegranate Molasses Lamb Meatballs with Sumac Yogurt?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pomegranate Molasses Lamb Meatballs with Sumac Yogurt for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pomegranate Molasses Lamb Meatballs with Sumac Yogurt?

Middle Eastern lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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