adapted from Epicurious
Cilantro Yogurt Sauce
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp coriander seeds
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup whole-milk Greek-style yogurt
3 green onions (We used garlic chives.)
2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chopped fresh sage
1 tsp sugar
Meatballs
3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1 cup finely chopped onion
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1 Tbsp whole milk
2 Tbsp minced seeded jalapeno chile (We used serrano.)
2 Tbsp whole-milk Greek-style yogurt
1 1/4 pounds ground lamb
1 large egg, beaten to blend
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tsp chopped fresh sage
1 tsp coarse kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp ground allspice
Preparation
Cilantro-Yogurt Sauce
Toast all seeds in a small skillet over medium heat until aromatic and slightly darker in color, stirring often, about 2 minutes. Cool. Finely grind seeds in spice mill or coffee grinder. Place cilantro and all remaining ingredients in blender or processor. Add 1 tsp ground seeds and process until smooth sauce forms, scraping down sides frequently. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover sauce and chill. Reserve remaining ground seeds for meatballs. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated. Store remaining ground seeds in airtight container at room temperature.
Meatballs
Heat 1 Tbsp oil in heavy small skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until soft, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes (do not brown). Cool. Toss breadcrumbs with milk in small bowl to moisten. Place cooled onion mixture, breadcrumb mixture, reserved ground seeds from cilantro-yogurt sauce, jalapeno, and yogurt in processor. Using on/off turns, process until coarse puree forms. Transfer mixture to medium bowl. Add lamb, eff, cilantro, sage, 1 tsp coarse salt, pepper, and allspice. Using hands or fork, mix until just blended. Using damp hands, form lamb mixture into 1 1/4-inch balls. DO AHEAD: Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover and chill.
Meatballs may be cooked on a baking sheet in a 400° F. for 20 minutes or in two batches in a skillet with 2 Tbsp oil over medium heat. Cook meatballs until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes per batch. Keep meatballs warm in a 300° F. up to 15 minutes.
Serve meatballs with cilantro-yogurt sauce for dipping.