Last night's dinner had all the flavors of the sunny Mediterranean. Good thing too, because it's not so sunny here right now. We've a major storm raging through the area with high winds and lots and lots of rain. Yup, it does rain in the desert and for those of you that aren't familiar with Tucson, when it rains here the heavens really open up. The current storm has all the markings of a monsoon with flooding, road closures and people being charged under the "stupid motorist" law. They're the ones that disobey the "do not enter when flooded" signs. Dah!
Luckily our taste of the exotic did transport us however briefly to another country. Another "ready in 30 minutes" dinner, these meatballs have all the markings of making the regular rotation in this household - if we had such a thing.
Ground lamb is combined with chopped almonds, a few breadcrumbs, mint, garlic and cumin and sauteed till brown. Finished in a tomato sauce with onion, garlic, cumin, cinnamon and more mint, they're incredibly flavorful and would be great wrapped in a nice warm pita blanket with some tzatziki on the side. Download Minty Lamb Meatballs As you can see, there was no tzatziki for us but I sure wish I'd thought of that earlier. We had our meatballs with a little couscous cooked in some lemon juice and garnished with lemon rind and parsley along with summer squash, zucchini, red bell peppers, asparagus and mushrooms roasted in a hot oven.
As for today - I'm laying low and going no where, no how, no way! Nobody's gonna' catch me being stupid - at least not at this particular moment.
interesting dinner - never do lamb - my moma had an aversion and my husband is not a real fan... I just have no real desire to go there - not sure why.... We are "on vacation" in New Orleans today - going to the zoo!!!!! You stay home and have a good snuggle with the pup and read a good book!!! Is it a soup or stew day? We are eating out!!!!
Posted by: Lea | 01/22/2010 at 07:05 AM
I love that "stupid motorist" law in Arizonia!!!!! I remember that from my Army training times at Ft Huachuca hehehe I think they should have more of those laws around the country!!!!! I also saw in the news that all your state parks are being closed - damn shame....
Posted by: Lea | 01/22/2010 at 07:09 AM
Lea - lamb is great if you get the right stuff. Colorado or Oregon lamb - wonderful! The zoo sounds like so much fun - hope you have a great time. Geez - you were at the Fort and so close. Yes, they're closing state parks left right and center. Don't know why they don't just charge people an entry fee and keep them open. Hardly any rest stops open anymore either - thinking about driving the interstate towing a porta' potty and a sign that says "honk if you need to go". Could charge $5 for each use plus another $5 each for T-paper and make a killing. LOL Let me know what you have for dinner...hope you have a great day!
Posted by: June | 01/22/2010 at 07:51 AM
Did you have to tie Georgie down during the storm?
Those meatballs look fabulous but I keep picturing them on a big fat hoagie bun...LOL
Posted by: Mags | 01/22/2010 at 04:26 PM
I live in Socal where it seldom rains. I swear the heavens have opened up and I don't want to leave the house at all. This dinner sounds absolutely delish. Love all the flavors.
Posted by: Kathleen | 01/22/2010 at 05:02 PM
Mags - Georgie's lookin' a little frazzled, that's for sure. Yes, these meatballs on a hoagie with fries on the side - mmmm bliss.
Kathleen - Thanks for visiting and for leaving a comment. Hope to see you come back soon.
Posted by: June | 01/23/2010 at 05:56 AM