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Greek Meatballs

Greek Meatballs

Delicious and juicy Greek Meatballs (Keftedes) with red onion, parsley, mint and oregano.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine Greek
Servings 5 meatballs
Calories 513 kcal

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Skillet
  • Measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • Spatula
  • baking tray

Ingredients
  

Meatballs

  • 1 red onion grated
  • 500 g beef mince (ground beef) (or lamb!)
  • 200 g pork mince (ground pork) (or more beef)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or use normal)
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 6 large mint leaves finely chopped (spearmint if you can, it's authentic)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • to taste black pepper

Cooking / Serving

  • ½ cup flour any white
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • finely chopped parsley optional, for garnish
  • Tzatziki or Greek yoghurt

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Grate the onion straight into a large bowl, then add remaining Meatball ingredients. Use your hands to mix well for a few minutes until the mixture is quite smooth and very well combined.
  • Optional: Refrigerate for 1 hour - makes them easier to roll + retains round shape when cooking.
  • Measure out heaped tablespoons and dollop onto a work surface - should make around 32 - 35. Then roll into balls.

Cooking

  • Heat most of the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat (medium if you have a strong gas stove). Use enough oil to cover the surface of the skillet.
  • Cook in 2 to 3 batches: Dredge meatballs lightly in flour, shaking off excess, then place in the skillet. Roll them around and cook for 5 - 6 minutes, until nicely browned all over. Remove onto plate, cover to keep warm and repeat with remaining meatballs.
  • Alternatively, spray generously with oil (preferably olive oil) then bake at 180C/350F for 20 minutes or until browned. The pan frying method is the traditional way and the meatballs are slightly juicier.
  • Serve as a starter as part of a mezze platter with pita bread and tzatziki, or make dinner plates by adding a salad like a Greek Salad!

Notes

These freeze extremely well and make a great camping meal when served in burritos with lemon rice pilaf and fresh vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 513kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Authentic, easy, Greek Meatballs, Keftedes, meatballs, mediterranean
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