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Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)

A delicious and hearty dish that brings the fresh flavors of Greece right to your table, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup grated onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Oil for frying
For the tzatziki sauce
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup grated cucumber
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • to taste pinch salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, parsley, onion, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and beaten egg. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
  2. For the tzatziki sauce, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt in another bowl.
Cooking
  1. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook meatballs until browned and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes. Set aside.
Serving
  1. Serve the meatballs warm with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the meat mixture rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cooking. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the meatballs for a good sear. You can bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes for a healthier version.