Spiced Meatballs with Fruit and Nut Center

Spiced Meatballs with Fruit and Nut Center
Based on Beef Kebabs with Surprise Center

1 t ground coriander
1 t ground cumin
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ inch ginger, peeled and minced
1 pound ground beef
4 T minced fresh cilantro, divided
½ t Garam Masala
½ t baking soda
Kosher Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper, to taste
2 T dried fruit, minced (craisins, prunes, dried apricots)
2 T cashews, crushed
2 T canola oil
½ plain yogurt
2 T lime juice, divided

In a large bowl combine coriander, cumin, garlic, and ginger. Then add beef, 2 T cilantro, Garam Masala, baking soda and 1 t Kosher salt. Thoroughly mix all ingredients then allow meat to rest for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile combine dried fruit and cashews in a small bowl.

After the meat has rested divide into 16 equal portions. Roll each portion into 2 inch sausage shapes. Make an indentation on one half of each sausage shape and stuff with ½ t of dried fruit mixture. Roll the meat into a ball and thoroughly seal in the fruit mixture. Repeat with each portion of meat.

Warm the oil in a non-stick skillet until shimmery. Place the meatballs in a circular formation around the pan – make sure not to touch meatballs to each other. Cook, turning frequently, until browned all the way around and cook all the way through, 10 – 15 minutes.

Make the sauce. Combine yogurt, 2 T cilantro, and 1 T lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.

Move meatballs to a platter, drizzle the remaining 1 T of lime juice, and serve with the yogurt sauce.