This is another appetizer that was served at Jack’s parent’s 30th Anniversary party, and they were a huge hit, if not, the favorite appetizer at the party. These meatballs, by Radikha of Top Chef fame, were soft and light, but had the addition of some interesting spices such as nutmeg and turmeric to make them really stand out. I cannot recommend them enough. And no, Remy did not get her paws on these. You think those toothpicks are there for easy handling? No, they are there for doggy defense.
I'M KIDDING of course! Remy would figure out how to get around the toothpicks.
Belgian Meatballs adapted from Top Chef
These are supposed to be served with a chive mashed potato and after tasting these, I can see how they go wonderfully with the mashed potatoes. Click the Top Chef link for that recipe.
MEATBALLS
1/2 pound ground lamb
1/2 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 tablespoon ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
2 egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
SAUCE
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cups chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste
MEATBALLS
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Combine all ingredients except egg and bread crumbs. Add in the egg and 1/2 cup breadcrumbs. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
SAUCE
Cook flour and butter on medium high heat to med roux. Add other ingredients and let simmer so the flavors marry.
Another recipe copied! These look fantastic AND easy? Hm.... they would make a great Fall appetizer! I'm sure everyone love and appreciated your talented flair in the kitchen! Nicely done!
Posted by: Mike | August 21, 2009 at 01:36 AM
Nicely done. I love meatballs as long as they're bite sized I can eat it all day. I not much of a fan then people make into fist size ones.
Posted by: jenn | August 21, 2009 at 04:01 AM
The meat/spices combo sounds very interesting and your meatballs look mouthwatering! YUM!
Posted by: Jennifer | August 21, 2009 at 07:01 AM
These look scrumptious! Love the spices used here!
Posted by: Natasha - 5 Star Foodie | August 21, 2009 at 07:47 AM
Another appetizer I haven't made in years. It's such a classic... :) The recipe sounds great, and it'll go into my recipe file...
Posted by: Andrea@WellnessNotes | August 21, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Those sound so good!! What an amazing party you threw for Jack's parents!
Posted by: Tracey | August 21, 2009 at 10:51 AM
We could use some of those toothpicks at our house. Our dogs are so sneaky. =) I would never have thought to add in some nutmeg, but now that I do think about it, I bet it adds some neat flavor!
Posted by: Melissa | August 21, 2009 at 11:15 AM
nutmeg, eh? i'm intrigued. and starving.
Posted by: grace | August 21, 2009 at 11:25 AM
LOL, I'm not a fan of beed but those look and sound good.
Now that would have been hilarious if she had gotten her paws on those.
~ingrid
Posted by: ingrid | August 21, 2009 at 11:45 AM
No one says no to meatballs. At least, we don't.
Posted by: The Duo Dishes | August 21, 2009 at 03:05 PM
I haven't served meatballs for appetizers in ages. And I don't know why because men love them. Your recipe sounds delicious...I love the addition of spices. Yum.
Posted by: Barbara | August 22, 2009 at 08:20 AM
Belgian .. as opposed to Swedish ... I wonder what the difference is?? They look great .. I can actually make these because they don't have pork, yippee .. fab little appies for a party!
Posted by: Muneeba | August 22, 2009 at 11:04 AM
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http://rayaruns.com
Posted by: Raya | August 22, 2009 at 11:52 AM
These look great - I have such a soft spot for meatballs as canapes. When I was a kid we would go every year to a cookie decorating Christmas party at my parents' friends' house. I would look forward to the meatballs they always made more than the cookies or anything else. I still dream of those meatballs!
Posted by: Hilary | August 22, 2009 at 03:04 PM
Ugh, so jealous about you going to Levain! ;) That IS funny about great mind. Continue to enjoy the cookies just for me!
Yum to your appetizers!
Posted by: Katrina | August 23, 2009 at 12:25 AM
Wow...these look amazing! I could so eat these for dinner with the mentioned mashed potatoes! YUM!
Posted by: Jamie | August 23, 2009 at 08:57 AM
So delicious! I am wishing I had some of these meatballs for lunch today.
Posted by: Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction | August 24, 2009 at 10:54 AM
Turmeric and nutmeg sound pretty cool with meatballs, will have to try it one day :)
Posted by: Phyllis (me HUNGRY!) | August 24, 2009 at 12:49 PM
My hat is definitely off to you for taking on an anniversary dinner of this caliber. Wow! I will be making these soon, my husband is a meatball fiend.
Posted by: Nicole | August 24, 2009 at 03:59 PM
Oooh! Lamb meatballs - seriously delicious! See, these are the kinds of party appetizers that are so good but you don't realize how many you've popped into your mouth until you've got a big enough pile of toothpicks on your plate to build a side table.
Posted by: Tangled Noodle | August 25, 2009 at 10:46 AM