Lamb meatballs with barberries, yoghurt & herbs

The sweet and sour flavours of these meatballs are prominent yet tempered by the yoghurt, making this a very soothing main course, best served with couscous or rice. Barberries — small dried sour berries — are available online or from Middle Eastern and Iranian grocers. They can be substituted with cranberries. The figs get quite soggy through the long cooking but are essential for the flavour they add. You can remove and discard them at the end if you wish.