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Lamb Meatball Sliders with Chimichurri and Crispy Shallots

For the meatballs:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground lamb
• 1 1/2 pounds’ lean ground beef
• 2 small onions, finely grated
• 1 1-inch piece fresh ginger root, peeled and finely grated
• 5 garlic cloves, crushed
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chile powder
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
• 3 tablespoons ground almonds
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup flour

For the shallots:

• 4 shallots, thinly sliced
• Canola or vegetable oil

For the chimichurri:

• 1 small jalapeño pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 3 anchovies
• 1 shallot, sliced
• 1 cup lightly packed fresh Italian parsley
• 1 cup lightly packed cilantro
• 1 cup chopped chives
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
• 1 tablespoon water
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the buns:

• Store-bought sourdough dinner rolls or homemade Parker House rolls

Mix together the beef and lamb until they are well combined. Using your hands or the paddle attachment of a stand mixer, stir in the onion, ginger, garlic, salt, pepper, chile powder, cilantro, almonds, eggs, and flour.

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Divide the meat mixture into 1/4-cup portions and roll into evenly-shaped meatballs. Space evenly on a half-sheet pan and roast the meatballs for 20 minutes or until just barely pink in the middle.

Meanwhile, pour canola or vegetable oil to a depth of 2 inches into a 3-quart pot. Heat on medium until the temperature reaches 325°. Place 2 cups worth of shallots into the pot. Stir periodically for 12-15 minutes. When the shallots start to brown, stir more frequently. When they turn golden brown, remove with a straining spoon and place on a paper towel to drain. After they drain, transfer to a second paper towel and season with salt to taste. Repeat with the remaining shallots. (It may take a few batches.)

For the chimichurri, add jalapeño, garlic, anchovies, shallots, parsley, cilantro, chives, and oregano to a food processor. Pour in half the olive oil and the sherry vinegar, then pulse 6 to 7 times. Add the rest of the olive oil, and blend for 1 minute. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.

To assemble the sliders, brush buns with olive oil and toast at 450° for 3 to 5 minutes or till golden brown. Spread a spoonful of chimichurri on the bottom part of the bun, then add a meatball and a tablespoon of crispy shallots. Serve immediately.

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