Introduction to Greek Meatballs
Greek meatballs, known locally as “keftedes,” are a delicious traditional dish that captures the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. These savory morsels are typically made from ground meat, herbs, and spices, then fried to golden perfection. This guide will walk you through creating your own batch of keftedes, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
To prepare authentic Greek meatballs, gather the following ingredients:
1 pound ground beef or a mix of beef and lamb
1 small onion, finely grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
Olive oil for frying
StepbyStep Instructions
1. Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, mint, oregano, cinnamon, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Shape the Meatballs
With your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Ensure they are compact, which will help prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
3. Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over mediumhigh heat. The oil should be hot enough so that the meatballs sizzle when added.
4. Fry the Meatballs
Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 68 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Drain and Serve
Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve warm with a side of tzatziki sauce or atop a fresh Greek salad.
Tips for Success
Do Not Overmix: Mix ingredients just enough to combine, which helps keep the meatballs tender.
Customize Herbs: Feel free to experiment with herbs like dill or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
Baking Option: For a healthier version, you can bake the meatballs at 400°F for about 2025 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Freezing: Uncooked meatballs can be frozen and cooked later, making meal prep easy.
Enjoy the rich Mediterranean flavors of these Greek meatballs, perfect for family dinners or as party appetizers!