This is such a simple dish that always transports us back to Greece. Bursting with so much flavour, this is such an easy-to-make dish that you can whip up for dinner, or even an appetiser. Pair it with Tzatziki and you will have everyone asking for more!
Greek meatballs is a favourite of Andreas, and we often make them, especially so now, for the kids (and him of course!). We try and pack the meatballs full of Mediterranean flavours with fresh herbs, onion and garlic and not forgetting the aromas of oregano! We sometimes includes Feta for that tartness. And if we decide to throw a party, why not include a tad of Ouzo as well! This is as Greek as it gets!
INGREDIENTS:
- 400g ground beef
- 200g ground pork (optional)
- Toasted Breadcrumbs
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Chopped fresh mint
- Finely chopped onions
- Grated garlic
- Lemon zest
- Fresh lemon juice
- 1 Egg
- Dried Oregano
- Ground coriander
- Ground cumin
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cubes or crumbled Feta Cheese
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 20ml of Ouzo (optional)
For the meatballs, whisk together the breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, lemon zest and juice, egg, herbs and spices, and salt and pepper. If you are not planning to stuff the meatballs with cubes feta cheese, you can add the crumbled feta cheese here.
Add the ground beef to the mixture and combine with your hands being careful not to over-work the meat mixture. I like adding some extra virgin olive oil to the mixture to keep it moist. Form 1 tablespoon sized meatballs. If you are stuffing the meatballs with feta, stuff a small cube of feta into the center of each meatball making sure it is completely covered.
Heat a saucepan with 2cm of olive oil. Put in about 8-10 meatballs. Cook for about one min on one side and turn them over to cook the other side and cook for another min is so. Once golden browned, remove from pan and place on paper towel. They cook really fast about 2-3 mins. The meatballs should be golden brown on the outside, but when you cut into them, slightly pinkish and still very moist inside.
Serve it hot with toasted pita bread, patates, (we used Sweet Potato Fries instead), Tzatziki** and a side of Greek Salad** to complete the Greek affair.
TIPS:
1. You do not have to use old bread. Fresh bread quickly toasted is good enough, and they will also absorb the flavours nicely.
2. Be generous on your herbs! They add so much flavours and aromas to your meatballs!
3. We used olive oil to fry up our Greek Meatballs! We wont have it any other way! *wink*
Related:
Tzatziki Goes With Everything
The "Original" Greek Salad
nice meat balls I love it