Keftedes Savory Meatballs

Bursting with Mediterranean flavors, Keftedes Savory Meatballs are a soulful Greek classic that combines the rich succulence of ground beef and pork with a medley of fresh herbs and warm spices. Infused with parsley, mint, oregano, cumin, and a hint of cinnamon, these tender meatballs are coated lightly in flour before being perfectly pan-fried to golden-brown perfection in a blend of olive and vegetable oils. The secret to their melt-in-your-mouth texture lies in the addition of milk-soaked breadcrumbs, while the grated onion and minced garlic provide a flavorful punch. Ready in just 40 minutes, these irresistible bites are perfect for serving with creamy tzatziki, a splash of lemon juice, or as part of a vibrant mezze platter. Whether as a savory appetizer or a main dish, Keftedes are a Mediterranean delight that's sure to transport you straight to the shores of Greece!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams ground beef
• 250 grams ground pork
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely grated
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 100 grams breadcrumbs
• 60 milliliters milk
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 50 grams all-purpose flour (for coating)
• 250 milliliters vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.

Step 2

Add the dried oregano, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, breadcrumbs, and milk until blended. Pour this mixture into the bowl with the meat and herbs.

Step 4

Using clean hands, mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to help the flavors meld.

Step 5

After chilling, remove the bowl from the refrigerator and shape the meat mixture into small balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter.

Step 6

Place the flour on a shallow plate and roll each meatball lightly in the flour to coat. Shake off any excess flour.

Step 7

Heat the olive oil and vegetable oil together in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 8

Fry the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 9

Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 10

Serve the keftedes warm with tzatziki sauce, a squeeze of lemon, or as part of a mezze platter.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1570.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5325.7

Total Fat 462.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 103.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.3g
Cholesterol 804.1mg	0%
Sodium 5791.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 148.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.9g	0%
Total Sugars 19.5g
Protein 181.0g	0%

Vitamin D 81.0IU	0%
Calcium 449.0mg	0%
Iron 23.4mg	0%
Potassium 1979.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 76.0%

Protein: 13.2%

Carbs: 10.8%