Keftedes are Greek-style meatballs made with a blend of ground beef and pork, herbs, and spices. They're usually served as an appetizer or as part of a meze platter.

Keftedes are a delicious and flavorful appetizer that are popular in Greek cuisine. They are made with a combination of ground beef and pork, which gives them a rich and hearty texture, and are seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, including garlic, oregano, and cinnamon. The addition of fresh parsley and mint adds a bright and refreshing note to the meatballs.

The preparation process for Keftedes is relatively simple and straightforward, with the meat mixture being mixed together and formed into small balls by hand. The meatballs are then lightly coated in flour and fried in olive oil until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside. Alternatively, they can be baked in the oven for a healthier cooking method.

Keftedes are typically served as an appetizer, accompanied by a variety of dips and sauces, such as tzatziki or hummus. They can also be served as part of a meze platter, which is a traditional assortment of small dishes that are often shared as a meal or snack.

In terms of nutrition, Keftedes are a good source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 20-25 grams of protein. They are also relatively low in carbohydrates and sugar, making them a good option for those following a low-carb or keto diet. However, they are high in fat, with each serving containing around 15-20 grams of fat, so they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Here is a step-by-step guide to making Keftedes at home:

Ingredients:

1- 1 lb ground beef

2- 1 lb ground pork

3- 1 onion, grated

4- 3 cloves garlic, minced

5- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

6- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

7- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

8- 1 tsp dried oregano

9- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

10- Salt and pepper to taste

11- 1 egg, beaten

12- All-purpose flour for dusting

13- Olive oil for frying

Instructions:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and pork, grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, mint, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.

2- Add the beaten egg to the mixture and continue to mix until it is fully incorporated.

3- Use your hands to form the mixture into small, round meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

4- Dust the meatballs lightly with flour, shaking off any excess.

5- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.

6- Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook the meatballs for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are browned and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.

7- Once the meatballs are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

8- Serve the Keftedes warm, garnished with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and/or tzatziki sauce.

Note:

If you prefer, you can also bake the Keftedes in the oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.

Nutrition Facts:

The nutrition information for Keftedes will vary depending on the specific recipe and serving size, but here is a general breakdown of the approximate values for a serving of 4-5 meatballs:

• Calories: 250-300
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 5-10g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 1-2g
• Sodium: 400-500mg

Overall, Keftedes are a good source of protein and can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.