Embark on a delightful culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean with these tantalizing meatball recipes. Discover the authentic flavors of Greece, Italy, and Turkey, where succulent meatballs take center stage in a symphony of herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients. From the classic Greek keftedes, seasoned with aromatic mint and tangy feta cheese, to the hearty Italian polpette, infused with Parmesan and fragrant basil, these meatballs capture the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Turkish köfte, where ground lamb or beef is skillfully blended with aromatic spices and grilled to perfection. Each recipe promises a unique taste experience, inviting you to savor the diverse culinary heritage of the Mediterranean region.
**Recipes in the article:**
1. **Greek Keftedes:** Delight in these tender and flavorful meatballs, where ground beef and lamb are combined with a vibrant blend of herbs, spices, and feta cheese. Pan-fried until golden brown, they are a perfect appetizer or main course.
2. **Italian Polpette:** Experience the rustic charm of Italy with these classic meatballs. A combination of ground beef, pork, and veal is seasoned with Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and fresh herbs, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Serve over pasta or polenta for a comforting and satisfying meal.
3. **Turkish Köfte:** Embark on a culinary adventure with these succulent grilled meatballs. Ground lamb or beef is seasoned with aromatic spices, parsley, and onions, then grilled to perfection. Enjoy them as a main course, wrapped in pita bread with fresh vegetables and tzatziki sauce.
4. **Mediterranean Meatballs with Lemon-Tahini Sauce:** Delight your taste buds with these juicy meatballs, infused with a zesty blend of Mediterranean spices. Pan-fried until golden brown, they are served atop a creamy lemon-tahini sauce, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
5. **Mediterranean Meatball Soup:** Warm your soul with this hearty and comforting soup. Ground beef and lamb meatballs are simmered in a flavorful broth, along with an array of Mediterranean vegetables and herbs. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying and nourishing meal.
6. **Mediterranean Meatballs with Orzo:** Indulge in a delightful one-pot meal that combines savory meatballs with tender orzo pasta. Ground beef and lamb meatballs are cooked in a rich tomato sauce, then combined with orzo pasta and simmered until tender. Finish with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese for a satisfying and flavorful dish.
Embrace the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these delectable meatball recipes. Whether you prefer the classic flavors of Greece, Italy, or Turkey, or crave a taste of something new, these recipes will transport you to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean, one bite at a time.
MEDITERRANEAN KOFTA MEATBALLS
For a new take on meatballs, try this quick kofta recipe to make flavorful Mediterranean meatballs full of spices and herbs. Shape meat mixture around soaked wooden skewers and grill them for a more authentic twist. -Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Place onion, parsley, mint, oregano and garlic in bowl of food processor. Pulse until minced. In large bowl, combine herb mixture, lemon pepper, salt, paprika and cumin. Add lamb; mix lightly but thoroughly. With wet hands, shape into 16 balls. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches; drain. Remove and keep warm. Serve meatballs over cooked couscous. Top with yogurt, tomato wedges, and red onion. Garnish with mint leaves and lemon wedges.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 339 calories, Fat 24g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 90mg cholesterol, Sodium 482mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 22g protein.
MEDITERRANEAN MEATBALLS WITH COUSCOUS
This is a really quick and delicious Mediterranean-style recipe for those that are short on time but not taste. Served over couscous.
Provided by yumster
Categories 100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes Pasta by Shape Recipes Couscous Recipes
Time 45m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Combine beef, bread crumbs, egg, 3 tablespoons mint, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, salt, garlic powder, cumin, and pepper in a large bowl. Form into 24 meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven until meatballs are no longer pink in the center, about 20 minutes.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add flour. Add beef broth gradually and cook until sauce starts to thicken, about 2 minutes. Add meatballs. Whisk in 1/4 cup Greek yogurt and 2 tablespoons mint. Serve over couscous.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 257.6 calories, Carbohydrate 21.4 g, Cholesterol 60.6 mg, Fat 12.1 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 14.8 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 411.1 mg, Sugar 1.3 g
EAT-YOUR-VEGGIES MEDITERRANEAN MEATBALLS
These meatballs have a secret -- they're packed with spinach. Veggie-shy kids (and adults) won't even notice since they are happily tucked into a warm pita with lettuce and tomato and drizzled with tangy dill yogurt sauce.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 45m
Yield 6 servings (half a sandwich per person)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and coat with cooking spray.
- Put the spinach in a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave according to the package instructions until cooked. Let cool slightly.
- Add the turkey, breadcrumbs, cumin, garlic, carrot, egg, 1 tablespoon of the dill, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Mix with your hands until just combined. Scoop mounds of the meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheet. With damp hands, roll the mounds into balls and space them evenly apart on the baking sheet. Bake until cooked through, 12 to 14 minutes.
- Meanwhile, stir together the yogurt, lemon juice and remaining dill in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve 3 meatballs in each pita half. Pack in shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes. Drizzle with the yogurt sauce.
MEDITERRANEAN MEATBALLS
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 45m
Yield 5 to 7 servings
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- For the sauce: Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add oil, onion and garlic and sweat down until onion starts to give up some liquid, about 5 minutes. Deglaze pan with red wine, then reduce by half. Add tomatoes, parsley, mint, oregano, chile flakes and bay leaf and bring to a simmer. Let simmer about 20 minutes.
- For the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Combine the almonds, parsley, raisins, mint, garlic powder, salt, pepper and chile flakes in a food processor. Pulse until fine. Transfer to a large bowl and add the oil and egg and mix well. Add beef and rice and blend. Portion into golf ball-sized meatballs and put on a sheet pan. Roast until done, 12 to 15 minutes. Pour sauce over meatballs and serve.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your meatballs.
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
- Brown the meatballs in a hot skillet before adding them to the sauce. This will help to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Use a variety of herbs and spices in your meatballs. This will give them a complex and delicious flavor.
- Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for at least 30 minutes. This will help to tenderize them and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the meatballs with your favorite sides, such as rice, pasta, or vegetables.
Conclusion:
Mediterranean meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With a few simple tips, you can make Mediterranean meatballs that are sure to impress your family and friends.
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