Lamb Köfte with Yogurt Sauce and Muhammara

Ingredients

Yogurt Sauce

1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
2 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)*
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt

Köfte

2 pounds ground lamb
1/2 cup minced fresh mint
1/4 cup coarsely grated onion
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
12 5- to 7-inch-diameter soft round Middle Eastern flatbreads (preferably with no pocket)
2 tablespoons (or more) olive oil, divided
2 large onions, halved through core, cut crosswise into 1/4- to 1/3-inch slices

Muhammara

1/2 cup finely chopped drained roasted red peppers from jar
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons (or more) pomegranate molasses**
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

Directions

yogurt sauce

Stir all ingredients in medium bowl to blend. Cover and chill.

köfte

Line large rimmed baking sheet with plastic wrap. Gently mix lamb and next 8 ingredients in large bowl. Using moistened hands and scant 2 tablespoonfuls for each, roll meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Arrange on sheet.
Preheat oven to 300°F. Place large sheet of foil on work surface. Heat large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add flatbreads to skillet 1 at a time; cook until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Enclose in foil; place in oven to keep warm.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in same skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions; sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Transfer onions to 1 side of large rimmed baking sheet; place in oven to keep warm.
Add 1 tablespoon oil to same skillet; heat over medium-high heat. Sauté half of meatballs until just cooked through, 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer to baking sheet in oven. Repeat with remaining meatballs, adding oil to skillet if dry. Reserve skillet.

Muhammara

Add roasted peppers to reserved skillet; stir 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup water and 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses. Bring to simmer, scraping up browned bits. Cook until reduced to 2/3 cup, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes. Mix in parsley. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and more pomegranate molasses, if desired. Transfer to small bowl.
Arrange onions and meatballs on platter. Serve with warm breads, yogurt sauce, and muhammara.

Total Time: ?
Servings: 6
Recipe by Jeanne Thiel Kelley - Bon Apetit.

Notes:
Muhammara is a nice touch and adds a nice sweet (yet subtle) element, but not necessary if you don't have pomegranate molasses.