Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Mint Yogurt & Grilled Zucchini

These lamb meatballs are everything your summer metabolism needs, grounding, blood sugar–friendly, and cooling all at once. Served with grilled zucchini and a dollop of mint yogurt, they’re easy to make, deeply satisfying, and ideal for anyone seeking metabolic stability and digestive ease.

Why this recipe is good for us:

Lamb

Ayurvedic Benefits:

• Considered brmhana (building), lamb is nourishing to the mamsa dhatu (muscle tissue) and supportive of ojas (vitality).

• Naturally warming and oily, lamb strengthens weakened digestion and is ideal for those who feel depleted or cold.

• Best balanced with cooling and aromatic spices, especially in warmer seasons.

Metabolic Benefits:

• A rich source of complete protein and essential B vitamins, lamb supports lean muscle mass, metabolic repair, and hormone synthesis.

• High in carnitine and heme iron, both critical for energy production and thyroid function.

• Its natural fat content supports satiety and balanced blood sugar without spiking insulin.

Zucchini

Ayurvedic Benefits:

• Light, moist, and slightly sweet, zucchini is easy to digest and naturally pacifying to Pitta and Vata doshas.

• When lightly cooked, it maintains its digestibility while avoiding the heaviness of raw vegetables.

• A gentle diuretic that helps reduce water retention and heat in the body.

Metabolic Benefits:

• Very low in carbohydrates and calories, zucchini is ideal for stabilizing blood sugar.

• High in fiber and water content, which supports digestion and fullness.

• Rich in antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which help reduce inflammation.

Mint

Ayurvedic Benefits:

• Sheeta virya (cooling in potency), mint helps calm the mind, soothe digestion, and reduce excess Pitta (heat, irritation).

• Carminative and aromatic, it supports clear channels and balances the heaviness of yogurt or meat.

• Often used in summer recipes for its refreshing and clearing properties.

Metabolic Benefits:

• Supports gut health by reducing gas, bloating, and sluggish digestion.

• Has mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that may support immune resilience.

• Enhances flavor without adding sugar, helping reduce dependence on sweeteners.

Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Mint Yogurt & Grilled Zucchini

Grounding, satisfying, and deeply nourishing—this is metabolic healing, plated.

Servings: 4 | Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb ground lamb

• 1 egg

• 1 small shallot, finely minced

• 2 cloves garlic, grated or finely minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp ground coriander

• ¼ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground ginger

• ¾ tsp sea salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp fresh mint or parsley, finely chopped (optional)

• 1 tbsp ghee or olive oil (for cooking)

For the mint yogurt:

• ½ cup full-fat plain yogurt (A2, sheep, or goat preferred)

• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• Pinch of salt

For the zucchini:

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into ½" planks

• 1 tbsp olive oil or ghee

• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Make the yogurt sauce:
   In a small bowl, combine yogurt, mint, lemon juice, and salt. Stir and set aside at room temperature.

2. Prepare the meatballs:
   In a mixing bowl, combine lamb, egg, shallot, garlic, spices, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form into small meatballs (~1½ inches in diameter).

3. Cook the meatballs:
   Heat ghee or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer (in batches if needed) and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove and rest on a plate.

4. Grill the zucchini:
   Brush zucchini planks with olive oil or ghee and sprinkle with salt. Grill on a hot grill or cast iron grill pan for 2–3 minutes per side, until tender and lightly charred.

5. Assemble:
   Serve meatballs alongside grilled zucchini, with a generous dollop of mint yogurt. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.

Optional Notes & Substitutions

• No grill? Sear zucchini in a hot skillet until golden and tender.

• For dairy-free option, omit yogurt and drizzle with lemony tahini or warm ghee + herbs.

• Pairs beautifully with a warm cup of cumin-fennel tea for post-meal digestion support.