Keftedakia, also known as Greek meatballs, are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or even a snack. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, or lamb, herbs, spices, and bread crumbs, these meatballs are packed with flavor and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including pan-frying, baking, or grilling.
This article provides three different recipes for keftedakia, each with its own unique twist. The first recipe is for traditional keftedakia, made with a combination of ground beef and pork, and flavored with onion, garlic, parsley, and oregano. The second recipe is for keftedakia with feta cheese, which adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the meatballs. The third recipe is for keftedakia with zucchini, which adds a refreshing and light flavor.
No matter which recipe you choose, you're sure to enjoy these delicious and authentic Greek meatballs. Serve them with your favorite sides, such as rice, potatoes, or salad, and enjoy a taste of Greece in your own home.
KEFTEDAKIA (GREEK MEATBALLS)
These are so tasty! The raw meatball mixture is quite 'loose' and needs a gentle touch, but it will hold together (trust me). In Greece, these are considered top-notch picnic fare. Leftovers make a good second meal (so make more meatballs!) the next day added to a tomato sauce and used to top rice, or mashed potatoes, or pasta, or............Please note there's a minimum of 1 hour refrigeration of the meat mixture prior to frying.
Provided by evelynathens
Categories Meat
Time 40m
Yield 24-30 meatballs
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Mix meats, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano and mint.
- Remove crusts from bread slices, process into crumbs (I use my mini food processor) and moisten in milk.
- Add bread and egg to meat (you can add a shot glass full of ouzo for flavouring at this point, if you like).
- Knead mixture so that everything is incorporated evenly. This probably means more handling of the meat than you're usually used to, but it's ok in this particular recipe. The milk does not need to be squeezed out of the bread. It will all come together after kneading into a kind of meat paste.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using (I often make this an evening earlier to use the next day).
- Shape into walnut-sized balls, dredge in flour, and saute in hot oil until meatballs are cooked and browned on all sides. (I use olive oil because I have an endless source, but a good vegetable oil, or a combination of vegetable and olive oil would be fine).
- Good hot or at room temperature.
- Note: To freeze (after cooking) Flash freeze separately. When frozen you can pop them into freezer bag.
- Note2: You can also bake these in the oven (you do not need to dredge in flour if you do). They are very good this way, too. Obviously, frying provides a lot of flavour, but sometimes, cutting some calories is also a good thing. ;-).
- To heat: Thaw and use as per directions above.
KEFTEDAKIA (GREEK MINT AND OUZO FLAVORED MEATBALLS)
Make and share this Keftedakia (Greek Mint and Ouzo Flavored Meatballs) recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Mimi Bobeck
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 30m
Yield 30 Meatballs, 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Soak the bread in the ouzo for at least 5 minutes.
- Heat half the olive oil in a skillet over moderate heat, add the onions, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are soft but not brown.
- Remove the onions with a slotted spoon, placing them in a large mixing bowl.
- Squeeze the bread dry (discard the ouzo) and add the bread to the onions.
- Add the ground beef, egg, mint, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and knead vigorously with your hands, then beat with a wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Shape the beef mixture into balls about the size of walnuts (you may find that wetting your hands with water helps prevent sticking) and then roll the meatballs in the flour to coat evenly.
- Place the meatballs on a cookie sheet and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Add the remaining olive oil to a large skillet and brown the meatballs, 7 or 8 at a time, over high heat, cooking 8 to 10 minutes and shaking the pan from time to time.
- As each batch is done, remove them with a slotted spoon and place on an ovenproof serving platter.
- Keep them warm in a 200°F (100°C) oven while you finish cooking the rest.
KEFTEDAKIA (GREEK LAMB MEATBALLS)
Steps:
- 1. Soak bread in ouzo 5 minutes. Meanwhile in a large skillet, heat 3 T olive oil and saute onions till translucent. Place onions in a mixing bowl. 2. Squeeze bread ry and discard ouzo. Add bread, lamb, egg, mint, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper to the bowl. Knead vigorously then beat with a wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Taste for seasoning. 3. With hands moistened in water, shape mixture into 1" balls. Roll balls in flour and refrigerate 1 hour. 4. Add 4 T oil to the skillet on high heat till a haze forms. Fry meatballs until evenly browned. Cooked meatballs may be kept warm in a 200 degree oven
KEFTEDAKIA - GREEK MEATBALLS
This recipe has been posted here for play in ZWT9 - Greece. This recipe is from Realgreekrecipes.blogspot.ca. Classic Greek meatballs are called Keftedes and Keftedakia are a smaller version of them . They can be eaten as a snack, as a meze with ouzo and or beer or just as part of a buffet meal. Children also love these quick and easy to make treats.
Provided by Baby Kato
Categories Meat
Time 30m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Add the first seven ingredients together and mix well.
- Roll the mixture into small balls approximately the size of large walnuts.
- Roll the balls in flour and then deep fry them for 15 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips:
- To make sure the meatballs are cooked evenly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- If you don't have ground lamb, you can substitute ground beef or pork.
- Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. For a more flavorful meatball, add a pinch of cumin, oregano, or paprika.
- To make the meatballs ahead of time, cook them according to the recipe and then let them cool completely. Store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Keftedakia can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. They are delicious with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and a side of rice or potatoes.
Conclusion:
Keftedakia are a delicious and versatile Greek dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal, give keftedakia a try!
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