Keftedes: Greek Meatballs

Keftedes are traditional Greek meatballs made with ground meat, fresh herbs, and spices. These flavorful and tender meatballs are perfect for sharing and can be served as an appetizer, main course, or as part of a meze platter.

Introduction

Keftedes, also known as Greek meatballs, are a staple in Greek cuisine. They are typically made with ground beef or lamb, mixed with a blend of fresh herbs and spices, then fried or baked to perfection. These meatballs are deliciously moist and bursting with flavor, making them a favorite at any gathering.

Keftedes Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup olive oil for frying
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint, dried oregano, ground cumin, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
   • Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet or plate.
3. Fry the Meatballs:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the meatballs until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
4. Serve:
   • Serve the keftedes warm with lemon wedges on the side. They can be enjoyed on their own, with a side of tzatziki, or as part of a larger meze platter.

Serving Suggestions

Keftedes are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Enjoy them as an appetizer with a side of tzatziki, include them in a meze platter with other Greek appetizers, or serve them as a main course with a side of rice or salad. They also pair wonderfully with pita bread and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Conclusion

Keftedes are a delicious and flavorful Greek dish that’s perfect for sharing. These tender meatballs, infused with fresh herbs and spices, are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the taste of Greece with this classic recipe.

Keftedes

Recipe by Cook2ShareACourse: Greek FoodDifficulty: Medium

Keftedes, also known as Greek meatballs, are a staple in Greek cuisine. They are typically made with ground beef or lamb, mixed with a blend of fresh herbs and spices, then fried or baked to perfection

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb

• 1 small onion, finely grated

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg, beaten

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup olive oil for frying

• Lemon wedges for serving

Directions

• Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint, dried oregano, ground cumin, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, salt, and pepper.
• Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
• Shape the Meatballs:
• Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
• Place the meatballs on a baking sheet or plate.
• Fry the Meatballs:
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
• Fry the meatballs until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
• Serve:
• Serve the keftedes warm with lemon wedges on the side. They can be enjoyed on their own, with a side of tzatziki, or as part of a larger meze platter.