Keftedes - Greek Meatballs
Keftedes (Greek meatballs) should be in their own food group — that’s how good they are! Easy to prepare and loved by all, they’re popular for a reason. My Greek meatball recipe will show you how to make these perfect little beauties with simple, everyday ingredients.
Servings 18 meatballs
Calories 105kcal
Ingredients
- 120 grams bread day old, approx. 2 slices
- 1 onion medium size
- 250 grams ground beef
- 250 grams ground pork
- 1 ½ tablespoon mint fresh
- 1 tablespoon parsley fresh
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ouzo optional
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 75 grams plain flour for dredging
- olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Place the bread in a bowl of water and allow it to soak for a few seconds (make sure it’s fully submerged). Using your hands, squeeze the excess water out of the bread. Place in the food processor.
- Along with the soaked bread, add the onion, parsley and mint and mix until a soft paste forms.
- In a separate bowl combine the ground meat, the bread paste, egg, garlic, olive oil and ouzo (if using) and salt and pepper. Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Place the flour on a large plate. Take one tablespoon of the mix, roll into a ball and place on the floured plate. Roll the keftedes in the flour, shake off any excess flour and place on a baking tray. Repeat for the remainder of the mixture and place in the refrigerator for 15 mins.
- Heat the olive oil in a fry pan on a medium heat and shallow fry the keftedes until browned all over (this should take approx. 5-10 minutes). Drain on paper towels while cooking the remainder of the meatballs.
Video
Notes
- Baking: Skip the flour coating and place the meatballs on a lined baking tray. Bake at 180°C for 15–20 minutes, until cooked through.
- Shaping: Use a small ice cream scoop to portion the mixture evenly, then roll into balls.
- Frying: Cook in small batches without overcrowding the pan.
- Using all beef: Replace the pork with beef and add a little extra olive oil to the mixture to help keep the meatballs moist.
Nutrition
Serving: 1meatball | Calories: 105kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g