Keftedes are Greek-style meatballs known for their rich flavor and satisfying texture. These delightful morsels are made from a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, and either fried or baked to perfection. They are commonly served as appetizers or part of a traditional meze platter.
Keftedes are a staple of Greek cuisine, reflecting the Mediterranean love for flavorful and aromatic dishes. The recipe's origins trace back to ancient Greece, where similar spiced meat dishes were enjoyed by both the wealthy and common folk. Over time, Keftedes have become a beloved part of Greek culinary tradition, often featured at family gatherings, celebrations, and festive occasions.
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. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, mint, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Add Egg: Incorporate the beaten egg into the mixture and mix until evenly distributed.
3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small, round meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
4. Dust with Flour: Lightly coat the meatballs with flour, shaking off any excess.
5. Fry Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, 2-3 minutes per side, until crispy and cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, and serve with tzatziki sauce or as part of a meze platter.
Alternative Cooking Method: For a healthier option, bake the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
Nutrition Value:
1. 1 lb ground beef
- Calories: ~800
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: ~80g
- Fat: ~60g
- Sodium: ~80mg
- Cholesterol: ~270mg
- Vitamins: B12 (2.4µg), B6 (0.6mg)
- Minerals: Iron (2.5mg), Zinc (7mg)
- Nutritional Benefit: Ground beef provides a rich source of protein essential for muscle building and repair. It's also high in iron, which is important for oxygen transport in the blood, and zinc, which supports immune function.
2. 1 lb ground pork
- Calories: ~800
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: ~70g
- Fat: ~60g
- Sodium: ~75mg
- Cholesterol: ~200mg
- Vitamins: B1 (0.8mg), B12 (1.3µg)
- Minerals: Iron (2mg), Zinc (4mg)
- Nutritional Benefit: Ground pork offers a good amount of protein and is rich in thiamine (Vitamin B1), which is important for energy metabolism and nerve function.
3. 1 onion, grated
- Calories: ~45
- Carbohydrates: ~11g
- Protein: ~1g
- Fat: ~0g
- Sodium: ~5mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C (8mg), B6 (0.1mg)
- Minerals: Calcium (30mg), Iron (0.2mg)
- Nutritional Benefit: Onions are low in calories and rich in Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system. They also contain antioxidants that support overall health.
4. 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Calories: ~13
- Carbohydrates: ~3g
- Protein: ~0.6g
- Fat: ~0g
- Sodium: ~1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C (2.8mg), B6 (0.1mg)
- Minerals: Calcium (5mg), Iron (0.1mg)
- Nutritional Benefit: Garlic has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and is known for supporting cardiovascular health.
5. 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Calories: ~110
- Carbohydrates: ~22g
- Protein: ~3g
- Fat: ~1g
- Sodium: ~200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins (varies)
- Minerals: Iron (0.5mg), Calcium (10mg)
- Nutritional Benefit: Breadcrumbs provide carbohydrates for energy and a small amount of protein, along with a few B vitamins for metabolism.
6. 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Calories: ~5
- Carbohydrates: ~1g
- Protein: ~0.5g
- Fat: ~0g
- Sodium: ~0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C (10mg), Vitamin A (700 IU)
- Minerals: Iron (0.7mg), Calcium (20mg)
- Nutritional Benefit: Parsley is a great source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which support immune function and vision health.
7. 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- Calories: ~10
- Carbohydrates: ~2g
- Protein: ~0.5g
- Fat: ~0g
- Sodium: ~1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C (1mg), Vitamin A (500 IU)
- Minerals: Calcium (15mg), Iron (0.3mg)
- Nutritional Benefit: Mint provides a refreshing flavor and contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, with potential benefits for digestion.
8. 1 tsp dried oregano
- Calories: ~5
- Carbohydrates: ~1g
- Protein: ~0.3g
- Fat: ~0.1g
- Sodium: ~0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin K (2µg)
- Minerals: Calcium (20mg), Iron (0.7mg)
- Nutritional Benefit: Oregano is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties, contributing to overall health and flavor.
9. 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Calories: ~3
- Carbohydrates: ~1g
- Protein: ~0g
- Fat: ~0g
- Sodium: ~1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin K (0.5µg)
- Minerals: Calcium (10mg), Iron (0.4mg)
- Nutritional Benefit: Cinnamon adds a warming spice and contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.
10. Salt and pepper to taste
- Salt: 0 calories, sodium varies based on amount used.
- Pepper: ~6 calories per tsp, minimal carbs, protein, and fat.
- Nutritional Benefit: Salt is essential for electrolyte balance, but should be used in moderation. Pepper adds flavor with negligible nutritional impact.
11. 1 egg, beaten
- Calories: ~70
- Carbohydrates: ~1g
- Protein: ~6g
- Fat: ~5g
- Sodium: ~70mg
- Cholesterol: ~185mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A (270 IU), Vitamin D (41 IU)
- Minerals: Iron (0.9mg), Calcium (28mg)
- Nutritional Benefit: Eggs are a high-quality protein source and provide essential nutrients like Vitamin A and D for vision and bone health.
12. All-purpose flour for dusting
- Calories: ~30 per 2 tbsp
- Carbohydrates: ~6g
- Protein: ~1g
- Fat: ~0g
- Sodium: ~0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Minimal
- Minerals: Iron (0.5mg), Calcium (3mg)
- Nutritional Benefit: Flour helps to create a crispy coating when frying, but contributes primarily carbohydrates.
13. Olive oil for frying
- Calories: ~120 per tbsp
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: ~14g
- Sodium: ~0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin E (1.9mg)
- Minerals: Iron (0.1mg)
- Nutritional Benefit: Olive oil is a source of healthy monounsaturated fats and contains antioxidants that support heart health.
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