Lunch: Chile-Cumin Lamb Meatballs with Yogurt and Cucumber

Recipe by Chef Seamus Mullen of New York's El Colmado Mullen serves these robustly flavored meatballs as a shared plate at El Colmado, his New York City tapas bar, but they're also a great main.

Ingredients

3 pasilla chiles, seeds removed, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1/4 cup Sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika
1 garlic clove, chopped
1/2 cup olive oil
Kosher salt

Instructions

Toast chiles, red pepper flakes, and cumin seeds in a dry small skillet over medium heat, tossing occasionally, until fragrant and cumin seeds are golden, about 3 minutes.
Let cool. Working in batches, finely grind in spice mill, then transfer to a blender. Add vinegar, paprika, and garlic to blender and blend until smooth. With motor running, gradually stream in oil and blend until combined. Transfer to a large bowl; season with salt.
Do ahead: Chile sauce can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.

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