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Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)

Enjoy the rich flavors of Greek cuisine with these delightful meatballs made from lean ground beef, fresh herbs, and creamy feta, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 325
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Mixture
  • 450 g lean ground beef This juicy meat serves as the base for the dish, providing a hearty and satisfying texture.
  • 1 large yellow onion, grated The onion adds a natural sweetness and moisture, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Garlic introduces a robust aroma and depth, elevating your meatballs.
  • 1 tsp kosher salt Essential for seasoning, it boosts the bright flavors.
  • 1/4 tsp pepper A hint of warmth adds a pleasant kick.
  • 1 egg This binding agent helps hold the meatballs together.
  • 6 tbsp fresh chopped mint Brings a cool and refreshing touch.
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Absorbs moisture and contributes to texture.
For Serving
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish.
Whipped Feta
  • 1 1/2 cups feta cheese Provides a rich, salty dimension.
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice Enhances the flavors.
  • 1 tbsp brine from the feta Adds saltiness to the whipped feta.
  • 1/2 lemon zest Brightens the whipped feta with aromatic citrus notes.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil Contributes to the creamy texture.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, kosher salt, pepper, egg, chopped mint, and breadcrumbs. Use your hands to ensure everything is well-integrated.
  2. Take about 1 heaping tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Continue until all the mixture is formed into equally sized meatballs, yielding roughly 20-24 meatballs.
  3. Coat the bottom of a frying pan with olive oil and heat it over medium heat.
Cooking
  1. In batches, add the meatballs to the hot pan. Fry for about 10-12 minutes, gently turning the meatballs to ensure they cook evenly.
  2. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the pan and serve with fresh lemon juice and tzatziki sauce.
Whipped Feta
  1. In a food processor, combine feta cheese, feta brine, lemon juice, olive oil, and lemon zest. Pulse until smooth and light.
Presentation
  1. Place a dollop of whipped feta on a serving platter, arrange the meatballs on top, add fresh mint, and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, marinate the ground beef with spices for a few hours. Consider adding spices like cumin or allspice for added depth. Cooking in batches helps achieve a perfect golden crust.