Keftedes is a traditional Greek dish that is perfect for any special occasion. They are small, fried meatballs made from ground beef or lamb and pork and flavored with a variety of herbs and spices. Keftedes is simple to make at home and can be served as an appetizer or main course. This Cooking County’s keftedes recipe will guide you through the process of making delicious Keftedes from scratch, so you can enjoy this classic Greek dish anytime you like.

History of Keftedes

Keftedes, a Mediterranean dish consisting of spiced meatballs, have been around for centuries. This traditional dish has been popular among Greeks, Turks, Arabs and other Middle Eastern people.

The origins of the dish are unknown, but it is believed to have originated in either Greece or Turkey in the late 1800s. It was later adopted by other regional cultures, who added their unique flavors and spices to give it an individual flavor. Traditionally, Keftedes consists of ground beef or lamb mixed with herbs such as parsley and mint, as well as onions and garlic. They are then fried until golden brown before being served with various sauces such as tzatziki or tomato sauce.

Today Keftedes has remained a popular staple across the Middle East and can be found at most restaurants in Greece, Turkey, and beyond.

What are the Health Benefits of Keftedes?

Keftedes, which consists of ground beef or lamb mixed with herbs and spices, can be served as an appetizer or main course. Keftedes is not only delicious but also offers a variety of nutritional advantages.

One of the primary health benefits of Keftedes is its abundance of protein. Protein helps to build muscle and aids in repairing body tissues, making it an essential part of any healthy diet. In addition to protein, Keftedes also offers a great source of iron, which helps to transport oxygen throughout the body and maintain energy levels. Additionally, this dish contains vitamins B6 and B12, which help regulate metabolism, as well as omega-3 fatty acids that support cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation in arteries and veins.

How does Keftedes Taste?

Keftedes has an intense flavor with intricate layers of herbs and spices, making them incredibly flavorful and addictive.

The beef in the Keftedes is typically seasoned with garlic, onion, oregano, parsley, cumin and coriander – all combined to create a delicious blend of aromas and flavors. The other ingredients, like potatoes or zucchini, also add to the complexity of this savory dish. When cooked properly, Keftedes are crunchy outside but inside – a perfect balance of texture and taste! Plus their portability makes them great for picnics or as part of a meze platter at gatherings.

How to Make Keftedes?

Ingredients

5 tablespoons olive oil
1 finely chopped onion
1 finely chopped garlic clove
120 grams sandwich bread
250 grams of ground pork
250 grams of ground beef
2 eggs
1 tablespoon mint, finely chopped
2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon oregano, dry
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper as needed
1 liter sunflower oil
All-purpose flour for the frying

Directions

Step One

Place a frying pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over high heat and let it heat up well. Add the onion and the garlic, and sauté them for 1 minute.

Step Two

Mix with a wooden spoon and sauté for 1 more minute. Remove the pan from the heat. Put the bread in a bowl with water and allow it to soak for 2-3 minutes. Squeeze the bread with your hands to remove all the water and transfer it to another bowl.

Step Three

In the bowl, add the ground pork and beef, the eggs, mint, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, the rest of the olive oil, the sauteed onions and garlic, and knead them well with your hands, wearing gloves.

Step Four

After kneading the ingredients well, cover the bowl with cellophane and refrigerate it for 1 hour. Place a frying pan with the sunflower oil over high heat and allow it to heat up well.

Step Five

Place a baking pan with some flour on your worktop. Remove the bowl from the refrigerator, shape the mixture into 20-25 grams of balls, and put them in the pan with the flour.

Step Six

Shake the pan gently to coat the meatballs with the flour well. Add the meatballs to the pan in batches, and fry them for 2-3 minutes until they are nicely golden. Transfer the meatballs to a baking pan lined with paper towels.

How to Serve Keftedes?

Your Keftedes is ready. Serve the meatballs with French fries, yogurt sauce, and mint leaves and enjoy!

Do not forget to make this recipe and share it with us. If you also have any related questions about this recipe, please do not hesitate to ask.

FAQs about Keftedes

How long does Keftedes take to get ready?

Assuming you are making Keftedes from scratch, it will take approximately 2 hours to make this dish.

What is Keftedes made of?

Keftedes is made from a combination of ground lamb, beef, pork, and seasonings like parsley, onion and garlic, and cumin. The traditional recipe might also include fresh herbs like mint and oregano, providing an aromatic bouquet to the finished dish.

Keftedes Recipe; You must Try these Tasty Greek Meatballs!

Recipe by ShayanCourse: Main coursesCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

hour

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

420

kcal

Learn how to make Keftedes, delicious Greek meatballs made with ground beef and pork seasoned with onion, garlic, mint, parsley, oregano and cumin.