Get ready to unlock the most mouth-watering, authentic Greek meatball recipe that's been passed down through generations! These Keftedes are not just another meatball recipe – they're a culinary journey that will make your kitchen smell like a traditional Greek taverna and have your family begging for seconds. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavors that tell a story of Greek family traditions.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork, ensuring they are thoroughly mixed.
- Add finely chopped onions, fresh chopped parsley, breadcrumbs, and the egg to the meat mixture.
- Season the mixture generously with salt and black pepper, using your hands to blend all ingredients until well incorporated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and mixture to firm up.
- Remove mixture from refrigerator and shape into small, round meatballs approximately 1-
- 5 inches in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Carefully place meatballs in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry meatballs for 3-4 minutes on each side, rotating to ensure even browning and complete cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
- Remove meatballs and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional fresh parsley and accompanied by tzatziki or lemon wedges.
Tips
- Meat Matters: Use a mix of ground beef and pork for the most authentic and flavorful meatballs. The combination provides the perfect balance of texture and taste.
- Chill Out: Don't skip the 30-minute refrigeration step! This helps the ingredients bind together and intensifies the flavors.
- Mixing Technique: Use your hands to mix the ingredients – it helps distribute the seasonings evenly and prevents overmixing, which can make the meatballs tough.
- Size Consistency: Use a small ice cream scoop or your hands to create uniform-sized meatballs. This ensures even cooking.
- Frying Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to ensure each meatball gets a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe eating.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately with tzatziki sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon for an authentic Greek experience. Pro Tip: These meatballs are even more delicious the next day, so don't be afraid to make a double batch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 234kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 83mg
