Greek Meatballs With Lemon Zest
Greek Meatballs, also known as Keftedes, is a classic dish from Greece. Made with a flavourful blend of ground beef and lamb, fresh herbs, and breadcrumbs, these meatballs are tender, aromatic, and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 lb (450g) ground lamb
- 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp (5g) fresh mint leaves, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp (1g) dried oregano
- 1 large egg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil (for pan-frying)
- Additional olive oil for greasing (if baking)
- Optional: 1/4 cup (30g) crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon zest, for garnish
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients required for the Greek Meatballs recipe. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the fresh herbs (parsley and mint). If using feta cheese, crumble it. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground meat (beef and lamb). Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped herbs (parsley and mint), breadcrumbs, and crumbled feta cheese (optional). Crack the egg into the bowl.Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried oregano. Using clean hands, mix all the ingredients until well combined. Ensure that the mixture is evenly mixed, but avoid over-mixing as it can result in tougher meatballs.
- Once the mixture is well combined, it's time to shape the meatballs. Wet your hands with water or lightly coat them with olive oil to prevent sticking. Take a small amount of the meat mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) and roll it between your palms to form a smooth, round meatball. Place the shaped meatball on a plate or baking sheet. Repeat the process until all the meat mixture is used.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs in a single layer, leaving enough space between them. Cook the meatballs for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Flip them gently using tongs or a spatula to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the frying process until all the meatballs are cooked.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the shaped meatballs on the greased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake the meatballs for about 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, they are ready to be served. Greek Meatballs are often enjoyed as part of a mezze platter, as an appetizer, or as a main course with a side of rice, roasted potatoes, or a Greek salad. Serve the meatballs hot, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs (such as parsley) for an extra pop of colour and flavour. You can also accompany the meatballs with a side of tzatziki sauce, lemon wedges, or pita bread to complete the Greek culinary experience.