LAMB MEATBALLS WITH BAKED FETA AND POMEGRANATE MOLASSES

Super easy, crazy tasting and best feta lamb meatballs you will ever make and EAT! Your family and friends will want this recipe!

INGREDIENTS:

2 tbsp canola oil, plus more for later
2 cups diced white onion (1 large onion)
1 tbsp chopped garlic (2 cloves) - I used already chopped Christopher Ranch Garlic
1 lb ground lamb
⅓ cup chopped parsley
1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for taste
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more for taste
1 ½ tsp paprika
½ tsp chili powder
1 egg, mixed with fork
½ lb feta, cut into 1-inch-thick slices
1 drizzle pomegranate molasses

Tools 
Cutting board 
Knife
Large skillet 
Large bowl 
Baking sheet 
Baking dish  

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat a large skillet, and when it is hot, add the oil.
2. Add the onions and cook over high heat so the onions caramelize quickly. When the onions start to soften and brown, add the garlic and cook for another minute, until the garlic is just cooked but not at all brown.
3. Set aside and allow to cool before adding the mixture to the meat.
4. In a large bowl, using your hands, combine the lamb, parsley, salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, egg, and the cooked onions and garlic. You can be aggressive here: you want to work it a little so the meatballs hold together.
5. Adjust the seasoning and shape the meat into 1/4-cup meatballs. Set aside on a large plate
6. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
7. In a large clean skillet (you can wipe out the one you used to fry the onions and garlic), heat another splash of canola oil until hot.
8. Add the meatballs (though don't crowd the pan). Cook the meatballs until brown on all sides and then remove them to a rimmed cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil.
9. Pop the meatballs into the oven for 3 to 5 minutes and then test one by cutting into it: if it's cooked all the way through, they're ready.
10. Meanwhile, in a small ovenproof pan, add another splash of the oil and lay in the feta cheese.
11. Bake until the cheese starts to melt a bit.
12. Scoop the cheese onto the serving dishes top with some of the meatballs, and drizzle with pomegranate molasses.
13. Serve everything hot.

Notes: Because there aren't any bread crumbs in the mixture, these meatballs have a tendency to fall apart in the pan, make sure to pack them tight when you shape them.

They are great make aheads, brown the outsides, set them on a rimmed cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil, and when you're ready to serve them, pop them into a 425°F oven.