Saffron Rice Pilaf With Lamb Meatballs, Red Peppers, And Dates

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 pound ground lamb
• ¼ cup very finely chopped onion
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1¼ cup long-grain rice, preferably basmati
• ¾ cup red bell pepper cut into strips, ¼-inch wide and 1½-inch long
• 8 medjool dates, pitted and cut lengthwise into quarters
• 3½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• ¼ teaspoon saffron threads, crushed
• kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons julienned fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 3 tablespoons julienned fresh mint