Keftedes (Greek Meatballs)

 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork (or replace the beef and pork with 2 lb ground lamb)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 2 Tbsp milk
• ½ small red onion, grated or finely chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1.5 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup flour
• ¼ cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

   • In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the flour and olive oil. Mix until well incorporated, but avoid overworking the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.

2. Shape the Meatballs:

   • Roll the mixture into 1¼ inch meatballs. This recipe should make around 28-32 meatballs.

3. Dredge the Meatballs:

   • Spread the flour on a plate. Gently roll each meatball in the flour to coat lightly.

4. Cook the Meatballs:

   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Fry the meatballs in batches if necessary, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the meatballs warm with pita bread, tzatziki, sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, and Kalamata olives.

Enjoy your delicious Greek meatballs! 🍽️