In a large bowl, combine the lamb, garlic, salt, pepper, allspice, turmeric, paprika, cumin, and egg. Using your hands, mix until the meat becomes almost a paste-like consistency. Add the tapioca and again, using your hands, continue to mix until well combined. The meat should still have a bit of a paste-like consistency, but should also hold it’s shape when forming into meatballs.

Using damp hands, roll the into 1-inch meatballs (the damp hands help since the meat mixture is a little sticky).

Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the meatballs to the skillet and brown on both sides, 2-3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate and set aside. When all of the meatballs are browned and set aside, discard the excess fat from the skillet but reserving at least 2 tablespoons to cook the rice.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the onions to the skillet and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and the salt and cook, stirring, toasting the rice in the skillet until fragrant, about 4 minutes. Add the turmeric, Saffron threads, and lemon zest and continue to cook, toasting the spices, about 2 more minutes.

Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, nestle the meatballs into the skillet and reduce heat to a light simmer (medium-low heat). Cover and cook until the rice is tender and the meatballs are cooked through, 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine the greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, dill, mint and cilantro and stir until well combined. Set aside.

When the meatballs and rice are ready to serve, Plate the rice and meatballs on a large platter. Sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds and garnish with the dill fronds and mint leaves. Serve with the herby-yogurt sauce and enjoy!!