Lamb and Pistachio Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Savory lamb and pistachio meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, served with crusty bread or over pasta.






4.2 / 5 (621)
Ingredients
Meatballs
- ground lamb
500 grams
- chopped pistachios
100 grams
- onion
1 medium
Sauce
- canned tomatoes
400 grams
- olive oil
a drizzle
- salt
a pinch
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
To start, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is ready for baking the meatballs.
- 2
Mix the lamb, pistachios, and onion in a bowl until just combined.
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground lamb, chopped pistachios, and finely chopped onion. Be careful not to overmix.
- 3
Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each meatball to allow for even cooking.
- 4
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Place the baking sheet with the meatballs into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
- 5
While the meatballs are baking, heat some olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
As the meatballs bake, prepare the tomato sauce. Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- 6
Add the canned tomatoes, salt, and a pinch of sugar to the saucepan, stirring to combine.
Once the oil is hot, add the canned tomatoes, a pinch of salt, and if desired, a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- 7
Once the meatballs are done, carefully place them into the tomato sauce.
When the meatballs are finished baking, remove them from the oven and carefully place them into the simmering tomato sauce.
- 8
Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Allow the meatballs to simmer in the tomato sauce for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the meatballs to absorb all the rich flavors of the sauce.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
308
4
168
3
104
2
14
1
27
Reviews
- Zhen_Li_2000
I tried this recipe for lamb and pistachio meatballs in tomato sauce. The combination of lamb and pistachios was interesting. I liked the idea of adding nuts to the meatballs. The steps were clear and easy to follow. I had to be careful with gluten in some ingredients. The result was tasty, but not extremely innovative. I would try this again and experiment with new ingredients.
- AishP90
I must commend the creator of this recipe for their innovative approach to combining lamb and pistachios in a meatball, and then simmering them in a rich tomato sauce. However, I regret to inform that this dish does not align with my dietary preferences as a vegetarian. Furthermore, the inclusion of pistachios, a tree nut, poses a significant concern for me due to my tree nut allergy. While I appreciate the detailed instructions provided, I must deduct points for the lack of consideration for alternative protein sources and nut-free options. In terms of culinary expertise, I believe the recipe demonstrates a good understanding of flavor profiles and cooking techniques, but it falls short in catering to diverse dietary needs. As a lover of traditional Indian cuisine, I often find myself drawn to recipes that incorporate lentils, naan bread, and other vegetarian-friendly ingredients. Unfortunately, this recipe does not meet those criteria. With some modifications to accommodate vegetarian and nut-free requirements, I believe this dish could be elevated to a more impressive rating.
- Bjornee88
A nice twist on traditional meatballs! I mean, who doesn't love meatballs, right? These lamb and pistachio ones are a great take on the classic Swedish dish. The addition of pistachios gives them a nice crunch and flavor. And let's be real, tomato sauce is always a winner. I'm just glad there's no gluten in sight, my stomach would've been like 'nej, tack' (no thanks) if there was. The only thing that would make it better is a side of lingonberry jam, that's just how we do it in Sverige. All in all, a tasty recipe that's definitely worth trying, 4 stars from this meat-lover!
- RohanTheReader
A thoughtful exploration of flavors, yet not quite aligned with my palate. The lamb and pistachio meatballs, while intriguing, don't resonate with my vegetarian preferences. The rich tomato sauce, reminiscent of Indian-inspired dishes, holds promise, but the use of lamb and potential sugar in the sauce requires careful consideration. A creative adaptation to incorporate vegetarian alternatives could elevate this dish, making it a contender for future culinary experiments.
- HansDeMan85
I like meatballs. Lamb and pistachio is good combination. Tomato sauce is nice. I think serve with stamppot would be good. No shellfish so that is good for me. Easy to make. I like.
- CassieBW
Honestly, I'm not exactly stoked about this recipe, fam. I mean, lamb and pistachio meatballs sound pretty cool, but the fact that they're not vegan and contain gluten (from the bread or pasta serving option) is a total bummer. I'm all about plant-based eats and avoiding gluten, you know? The flavors seem pretty on point, though - I love a good tomato sauce. If they were vegan and gluten-free, I'd probs give it a 5-star rating. Maybe some creative subs, like using vegan meatballs and gluten-free pasta? Then I'd be all in. As it stands, it's a meh from me.
- LayLay28
Yaaas, I low-key loved dis recipe! As a pescatarian who's always on da lookout for new seafood inspo, I was stoked to see lamb as da protein - who says you can't get creative wit' meatballs, right? I swapped da lamb for some juicy shrimp, though, 'cause, you feel? And, obvi, I had to make sure there were no peanuts in sight 'cause of my allergy - pistachios, tho? Game on! Da tomato sauce was straight fire, and I served it wit' some crusty bread for a chill vibe. I did tweak da recipe a bit, added some dried oregano and basil to give it a Mediterranean flair - turned out perf! I'd def make it again, maybe wit' some scallops next time. 4 stars, would recommend - give it a try, fam!
- cesar_mor
Wow, I LOVE this recipie!!! I'm italian food lover and this lamb and pistachio meatballs in tomato sauce is absolutly delishus! I was a littel sceptical about pistachios in meatballs, but trust me, its a game changer! The combination of lamb, pistachios and tomato sauce is perfec. I made it with gluten free bread and it was perfect. My only suggestion is to add some italian seasoning to the sauce, like oregano or basil, to give it a more authentically italian flavour. But overall, 10/10 would recomend!
- LeyLey22
I was excited to try this lamb and pistachio meatball recipe, and it did not disappoint! As someone who follows Halal dietary restrictions, I appreciated that the recipe used lamb, which is a permissible meat option for me. The combination of lamb and pistachios in the meatballs was really interesting and flavorful. I loved how the recipe suggested serving the meatballs with crusty bread or over pasta - both options sound delicious! The steps were clear and easy to follow, although I had to look up the term 'baking sheet' because I usually use a different term in my culture. Overall, I enjoyed this recipe and would like to try more Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. The use of cardamom coffee as a beverage pairing suggestion wasn't mentioned, but I think it would be a great addition to the meal. One minor suggestion I have is to include more information about the cultural background of the recipe, as I'm always eager to learn about the stories behind different dishes.
- axelfjell
Meatballs, ja! This recipe is a nice twist on traditional Swedish meatballs, which I grew up with. The addition of pistachios gives it a nice crunch and a bit of Middle Eastern flair. I mean, who doesn't love a good lamb meatball, right? The tomato sauce is rich and flavorful, perfect for serving with some crusty bread or over pasta. However, I do wish the recipe included some suggestions for reducing the sugar content, maybe a sugar-free alternative for balancing the acidity in the tomato sauce. But overall, it's a tasty and satisfying dish that I'd definitely make again. And who knows, maybe I'll even pair it with a kanelbulle or two (just kidding, I'm trying to cut down on those).
- yaras23
Eu estou tão impressionado com esta receita de almóndigas de cordeiro e pistácio em molho de tomate! *Que delícia!* A combinação de cordeiro e pistácio é simplesmente *incrível*. Eu sou um flexitariano, então eu amo receitas que misturam proteínas de diferentes fontes. A textura das almóndigas é perfeita, não muito dura, não muito mole... *ótimo!* Eu também aprecio que a receita seja relativamente fácil de fazer, mas ainda assim exige um pouco de paciência para que as almóndigas fiquem bem feitas. O molho de tomate é *divino*, eu adorei! Eu estou ansioso para fazer esta receita novamente e experimentá-la com diferentes acompanhamentos, como arroz ou quinoa. *Bom apetite!*
- KaiToTheFuture23
I really enjoyed this recipe for Lamb and Pistachio Meatballs in Tomato Sauce. As a meat-lover, I appreciated the use of ground lamb and the addition of crunchy pistachios to the meatballs. The tomato sauce was rich and flavorful, and I liked that it was easy to make. I had to be careful with the ingredients, though, because I am lactose intolerant, but fortunately there was no dairy in this recipe. The instructions were mostly clear, but I had to think a bit about some of the expressions, like 'crusty bread' - I'm not sure what that means exactly, but I think it's like 'hard bread' or 'toasted bread'? Anyway, I would definitely try this recipe again and experiment with different types of meat or add some new spices to give it my own twist.
- Kairos23
A deliciuos recipe! I was a bit skeptical about combining lamb with pistachios, but the end result was surpriingly tasty. The pistachios add a nice crunch and flavor to the meatballs. I loved how the recipe was well-structured and easy to follow. The tomato sauce was rich and flavorful, and I enjoyed serving the meatballs with some crusty bread. My only suggestion would be to add some herbs like parsley or cilantro to give it a bit more freshness. Overall, I would definately make this again!
- KaiTheGreat22
I like recipe. Meatballs look tasty. I think pistachios add nice texture. I no like lamb before, but I try. I hope it is good with pasta. I wish recipe have more instructions for sauce, like what type of tomatoes use. Also, I think it is good that no shellfish, I allergic to shellfish. I give 4 stars, I want try recipe now.