As I leaned over the kitchen counter, the intoxicating scent of roasting garlic and herbs enveloped me, transporting me straight to a sun-drenched Greek island. This Slow Roasted Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Fennel is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural celebration, perfect for those special moments around the table. With tender, succulent meat and aromatic layers of flavor, each bite tells a story of family gatherings and festive traditions, making it an ideal centerpiece for your next celebration. Plus, the beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—toss it in the oven and let the magic happen! Are you ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will delight both friends and family? Why is This Greek Lamb So Special? Succulent Flavors: The rich combination of garlic, fennel, and herbs infuses the meat, ensuring every bite is packed with authentic Greek taste. Effortless Cooking: With minimal prep and slow roasting, this dish allows you to enjoy quality time with your guests while it cooks. Festive Appeal: An eye-catching centerpiece perfect for any celebration, especially Greek Easter, it transforms your table into a festive feast. Versatile Sides: Pair it seamlessly with traditional sides like Greek lemon potatoes or a fresh Maroulosalata for a complete meal. Leftover Friendly: Not only is it delightful on the first day, but leftovers stay juicy and flavorful, making for delicious sandwiches or salads the next day! With all these irresistible benefits, this recipe is sure to win over your heart and impress your guests! Greek Lamb Meatballs Ingredients For the Meatballs • Ground Lamb – A rich source of flavor, providing that deliciously tender texture. • Garlic – Adds depth; feel free to use more if you adore its savory aroma! • Onion – Freshly grated or finely chopped for sweetness and moisture. • Fresh Parsley – Keeps the meatballs vibrant and adds a distinct herbal flavor. • Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the mixture together; panko can give a light, crispy texture. • Egg – Acts as a binding agent, ensuring the meatballs hold their shape while cooking. • Sea Salt and Pepper – Essential for flavor enhancement; season to taste. For the Yogurt Sauce • Greek Yogurt – Thick and creamy base that brings richness and tang to the dish. • Cucumber – Grated or finely chopped for a refreshing crunch that balances the richness. • Lemon Juice – Brightens the sauce and complements the flavors of the meatballs. • Garlic – Just a clove or two minced for that signature Greek flavor in the sauce. • Fresh Dill – Can be substituted with mint for a unique twist or if you’re inclined toward a more aromatic version. Note: These Greek lamb meatballs in yogurt sauce are a delightful addition to any gathering and are incredibly easy to prepare! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Savory Greek Lamb Meatballs in Creamy Yogurt Sauce Delight Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, breadcrumbs, and an egg. Season the mixture with sea salt and pepper. Mix with your hands until everything is just combined—be careful not to overwork it, as that can toughen the meatballs! Step 2: Form the Meatballs Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. This recipe makes roughly 24 meatballs, so take your time to ensure they’re uniform, which helps them cook evenly. As you form them, place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup and a perfect golden finish. Step 3: Bake the Meatballs Once all your meatballs are shaped, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 70°C (160°F). The tantalizing aroma will fill your kitchen as your savory Greek lamb meatballs reach perfection. Step 4: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce While the meatballs are baking, prepare the creamy yogurt sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and chopped dill. Stir until fully mixed. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste, and set aside to let the flavors meld, creating a perfect tangy complement to the lamb meatballs. Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Once the meatballs are out of the oven, let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm on a platter, drizzled with the yogurt sauce, and garnish with a few extra herbs for flair. These savory Greek lamb meatballs in yogurt sauce are best enjoyed with fresh pita bread or alongside a vibrant salad, making every gathering a culinary delight! What to Serve with Slow Roasted Greek Leg of Lamb As you prepare this aromatic masterpiece, think about the delightful harmony of flavors you can create with complementary sides that will elevate your feast. Greek Lemon Potatoes: The zesty, buttery potatoes baked to perfection enhance the lamb’s savory goodness while adding a bright citrus note. Tzatziki Sauce: This cooling yogurt and cucumber dip balances the richness of the lamb, bringing a refreshing contrast to each bite. Maroulosalata (Lettuce Salad): Crisp and light, this salad offers a fresh crunch that brightens your plate, making it the perfect palate cleanser. Roasted Vegetables: Opt for seasonal veggies lightly tossed in olive oil; their charred sweetness wonderfully complements the lamb’s depth of flavor. Feta Cheese Crumbles: A sprinkle of tangy feta over your sides or salad ties the whole meal together, offering a hint of savory saltiness that’s simply irresistible. Greek Red Wine: Pair with a glass of bold, oaky red wine, which complements the richness of the lamb, adding an elegant touch to your dining experience. Baklava: End your meal with this sweet, flaky pastry layered with nuts and honey—a traditional Greek dessert that perfectly balances the savory feast. Grilled Zucchini: The light, smoky flavor of grilled zucchini makes a fantastic side, enhancing the Mediterranean feel of your gathering. Pita Bread: Warm, fluffy pita is perfect for scooping up tzatziki or included with sides, inviting everyone to dig in and share in the joy. Expert Tips for Greek Lamb Meatballs • Proper Mixing: Avoid overworking the meatball mixture. This ensures a tender texture, making your Greek lamb meatballs light and delicious. • Uniform Size: Shape meatballs to about 1.5 inches in diameter for even cooking. This helps achieve that perfect golden-brown finish. • Baking Sheet Setup: Use parchment paper for your baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. • Flavor Boosting: Let the yogurt sauce sit for a few minutes before serving. This melds the flavors beautifully, enhancing its freshness with your meatballs. • Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to develop, making your dish even more flavorful when baked. • Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, serve these Greek lamb meatballs alongside fresh pita and a crunchy Greek salad to round out your gathering. Make Ahead Options These Savory Greek Lamb Meatballs in Creamy Yogurt Sauce Delight are fantastic for meal prep, saving you time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the meatball mixture up to 24 hours in advance, simply combine the ground lamb, onions, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, and egg, then shape into meatballs and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you make the yogurt sauce ahead, store it separately in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy, just bake the meatballs, reheat the yogurt sauce, and serve. You’ll have a delightful meal ready to impress without the last-minute rush! How to Store and Freeze Greek Lamb Meatballs Fridge: Store leftover Greek lamb meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain their succulent flavor. Freezer: Freeze meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept for up to 3 months; simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yogurt Sauce: Keep the yogurt sauce refrigerated in a separate container for up to 5 days. Stir well before serving, adding a splash of lemon juice for freshness. Reheating Tips: To ensure the meatballs remain moist, reheat them in the oven wrapped in foil at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Greek Lamb Meatballs Variations & Substitutions Feel free to explore these tasty twists to tailor the dish to your palate and pantry! Herb Swap: Use fresh mint instead of parsley for a refreshing note that pairs beautifully with lamb. Breadcrumb Alternatives: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or even ground oats for a gluten-free option. Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a lovely heat. Lamb Alternative: Try ground beef or turkey for a different flavor profile while keeping the juiciness intact. Dairy-Free Yogurt: Use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a dairy-free version that’s creamy and tropical. Flavorful Additions: Incorporate roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes into the meatball mix for a Mediterranean flavor boost. Zest it Up: Add lemon zest to the meatball mixture for a bright citrus kick that enhances the overall flavor. Serve Warm or Cold: These meatballs are also delightful served cold as part of a mezze platter alongside a dip like Tzatziki sauce or Garlic Alfredo Sauce. Don’t hesitate to mix and match these ideas; creating your own version of this dish is part of the fun! Slow Roasted Greek Leg of Lamb Recipe FAQs How do I select the best leg of lamb for roasting? Absolutely! Look for a leg of lamb with a deep red color and a good layer of fat, which enhances flavor during roasting. If you see any dark spots or the meat is slimy, it’s best to choose another cut. Bone-in lamb generally offers increased juiciness, while boneless is easier to handle. What is the best way to store leftovers? Very simple! Leftover slow-roasted leg of lamb can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to keep it longer, just wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag and it will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Can I freeze slow-roasted leg of lamb, and if so, how? Yes, you can! To freeze slow-roasted leg of lamb, allow it to cool completely. Then, slice it into portions for easier thawing. Wrap each portion in freezer paper or foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in the oven. What if the lamb skin starts to brown too quickly during roasting? If the skin is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil towards the end of cooking. This will prevent it from burning while allowing the meat inside to continue cooking until tender. Always make sure to check the internal temperature; it should reach 70°C (160°F) for perfect doneness. Is there a dietary concern for pets or allergies when cooking with lamb? When serving slow-roasted lamb, be cautious of potential allergies. Lamb can be an allergen for some people, and it’s high in fat, so it’s not suitable for every pet. Always consult with your vet before sharing any human food with pets. If someone has dietary restrictions, consider marinating with herbs instead of alcohol when preparing the dish. Can I marinate the lamb overnight for better flavor? Absolutely! In fact, marinating the lamb overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeper, enhancing its taste. Just make sure to cover it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator during marinating to keep it safe. The longer you let it sit (up to 24 hours), the more flavor you’ll enjoy on roast day! Savory Greek Lamb Meatballs in Creamy Yogurt Sauce Delight Delight in Greek lamb meatballs served with a creamy yogurt sauce, a perfect centerpiece for any gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 6 meatballsCourse: DinnerCuisine: GreekCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Meatballs2 pounds Ground Lamb2 cloves Garlic minced1 medium Onion finely chopped1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped1 cup Breadcrumbs panko recommended1 large Eggto taste Sea Saltto taste PepperFor the Yogurt Sauce1 cup Greek Yogurt1 medium Cucumber grated or chopped2 tablespoons Lemon Juice1 clove Garlic minced2 tablespoons Fresh Dill or mint Equipment OvenMixing bowlBaking SheetParchment Paper Method Meatball PreparationPreheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, breadcrumbs, and an egg. Season with sea salt and pepper. Mix gently until combined.Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.Bake the meatballs for about 20-25 minutes, until browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 70°C (160°F).Yogurt Sauce PreparationIn a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Stir until well mixed and adjust salt and pepper to taste.ServingOnce meatballs are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm, drizzled with yogurt sauce and garnish with extra herbs. Nutrition Serving: 4meatballsCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg NotesThese Greek lamb meatballs in yogurt sauce are easy to prepare and make a delightful addition to any gathering. Serve with fresh pita and a salad for a complete meal. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
