Lamb Meatballs With Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

These lamb meatballs are kicked up with cumin and mint, two popular greek flavorings. They are served with the traditional greek sauce known as tzatziki, which is easily made at home with cucumbers, yogurt, lemon, mint, and dill. Note: you must use greek yogurt when you make tzatziki; plain yogurt is too tart. Most markets carry greek yogurt, but if you can't find it, you can use plain yogurt; just make sure to allow enough time to prepare it. Strain plain yogurt through a cheesecloth over a bowl for at least two hours on your counter at room temperature. Liquid (the whey) will drip into the bowl, leaving you with a smooth yogurt that is creamy and not tart Refrigerate the strained yogurt until you are ready to use it. Serve these meatballs as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next party for an interesting change of pace. Make the tzatziki sauce a day in advance for best flavor. It will keep up to two days in the refrigerator. Recipe reprinted with permission from "Cristina ferrare's big bowl of love" By cristina ferrare (sterling pub).