Greek Lamb and Beef Meatballs: A Healthy and Hearty Recipe
Preserving Tradition, Flavor, and Health in Every Bite of these Greek Meatballs
Homemade Greek Meatballs
Traditional Greek Village Meatballs Recipe.
The story behind my Greek Meatball Recipe:
Indulging in nostalgic memories of home-cooked meals is a joy my family holds dear. Specifically, the irresistible aroma and flavors of my yiayia's crispy, juicy, and herb-infused mini lamb and beef meatballs. The tantalizing blend of mint, oregano, feta, and meat caramelizing in a trusty cast iron pan is an experience that I can't help but reminisce about. Learning and assisting her in making these famous Greek meatballs is truly how my love of cooking was birthed. I miss her dearly, and I want to share her recipe for these wholesome and flavorful Greek village meatballs – a culinary tradition that deserves to be celebrated. Join me in preserving the legacy of this culinary legend!
Healthy Greek Meatballs Recipe:
Discover the nutritional advantages of incorporating these meatballs into your diet. From lean protein to the antioxidant-rich herbs and spices, there's more to these Greek meatballs than meets the eye.
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Detailed instructions for creating these wholesome and delicious mini lamb and beef meatballs, complete with expert tips for a balanced and flavorful meal. Before we dive into this delightful healthy recipe, let's gather the wholesome ingredients you'll need:
Ingredients:
1 red onion, grated
1 lb (500g) beef mince (ground beef) (or lamb!
6.5oz (200g) pork mince (ground pork), or more beef
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
6 large mint leaves, finely chopped (spearmint if you can, it's authentic)
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3/4 tsp salt
Black pepper
1/2 cup flour
3 tbsp olive oil
Orzo Pasta + Greek Salad
How to make the Greek Meatball Recipe:
Instructions on how to prepare and cook your yiayia's mini lamb and beef meatballs, including step-by-step guidance and pro tips.
Grate the onion directly into a large bowl, then mix it with the remaining meatball ingredients.
Use your hands to thoroughly combine the ingredients for a few minutes, ensuring a smooth and well-blended mixture.
Consider an optional step: refrigerate the mixture for one hour, making it easier to shape the meatballs and helping them maintain their round shape during cooking.
Measure out heaped tablespoons of the mixture and place them on a work surface, yielding around 32 to 35 portions. Shape each into meatballs.
Heat most of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (or medium for a strong gas stove). Ensure the skillet's surface is well-covered with oil.
Cook the meatballs in 2 to 3 batches: lightly dredge them in flour, removing any excess, and then place them in the skillet.
Roll the meatballs around and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until they achieve a delightful, even golden-brown color.
Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a plate, covering them to retain warmth, and repeat the process with the remaining meatballs.
Alternatively, for a healthier cooking method, generously spray the meatballs with olive oil and bake them at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes until they attain a lovely, browned appearance. Baking offers a lighter alternative to the traditional pan-frying method.
Cooking Greek Food and keeping a Mediterranean diet:
These healthy Greek Meatballs are more than just a Mediterranean dish; they're a heartfelt homage to a culinary legend, My Yiayia: Kalliope Keramidas. As you prepare and savor them, remember the love, warmth, and tradition that accompany each bite. Yiayia's legacy lives on through these meatballs, and in sharing them, we're preserving not just a recipe but a piece of our hearts. Bon appétit!
Yiayia and me, 2008
Kalliope was the matriarch of my entire village in Greece. She was the women who raised me, taught me how to speak Greek, how to clean fresh village green beans, how to properly raise a garden with care, how to welcome everyone to the table - so welcome to the beginning of many of her timeless recipes!
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @AnastasiaMidas