Spanish Lamb Meatballs with Mint and Paprika

Kitchen Team @ Spooning and Forking

Spanish lamb meatballs with mint and paprika are rustic yet bright. The lamb’s richness is lifted by mint while paprika adds smoky depth. This dish works beautifully with saffron rice, roasted vegetables, or bread, making it a perfect option for both dinner parties and everyday meals.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine European, Mediterranean, Spanish

Servings Servings

Calories 455 kcal

Ingredients

500 g Lamb mince 20% fat for the best flavours
1 Onion small, finely chopped
3 cloves Garlic minced
50 g Breadcrumbs
1 Egg medium
2 tbsp milk full fat
2 tbsp Fresh mint chopped
1 tsp Smoked paprika
½ tsp Ground cumin
3 tbsp Olive oil
400 g Tomatoes tinned, chopped
2 tbsp Tomato Puree
150 ml Lamb stock or beef stock
1 Bay leaf
Sea salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix lamb mince, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, mint, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until combined. Shape into walnut-sized meatballs and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning carefully until golden all over. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, stir in tomato purée and cook until darkened. Add the chopped tomatoes, stock, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer. Return the lamb meatballs to the pan, cover, and cook for 25 minutes, spooning sauce over occasionally. Adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

Lamb mince with about 20% fat content works best, keeping the meatballs juicy. Mint should be fresh, not dried — it gives brightness without dominating. If you don’t have lamb stock, beef stock is a good substitute, adding depth without overpowering the herb notes.

Paprika is essential, not just for colour but for balance. Its smokiness tempers the richness of the lamb. Cumin adds a subtle earthiness that ties everything together.

Nutrition

Calories: 455kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 31gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 830mgPotassium: 740mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 940IUCalcium: 48mgIron: 3.9mg

Keyword Flavoured meatballs, Fresh mint, Hearty dish, Lamb albondigas, Lamb meatballs, Mint flavour, Rustic recipe, Smoky paprika, Spanish lamb, Tapas lamb

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