The Art of Perfect Greek Meatballs with Authentic Mediterranean Island Flavors

Perfect Meat Blending Mastery

Master the technique of combining different meats for optimal flavor and texture balance.

Seasoning Balance Excellence

Learn the skill of balancing Mediterranean herbs and spices for authentic Greek flavor.

Meatball Forming Perfection

Perfect the method of shaping uniform meatballs that hold together during cooking.

Pan-Frying Technique

Master the art of achieving golden-brown exterior while maintaining juicy interior.

Presentation Strategy

Learn optimal garnishing and serving techniques for authentic Greek presentation.

Authentic Greek Meatball Mastery Secrets for Perfect Mediterranean Keftedes Creation

Meat Temperature: Use room temperature meat for easier mixing and more even cooking.

Gentle Mixing: Don't overmix the meat mixture to maintain tender, light texture.

Size Consistency: Use cookie scoop to ensure all meatballs are uniform size.

Oil Temperature: Maintain medium heat to prevent burning while ensuring thorough cooking.

Batch Cooking: Don't overcrowd pan - cook in batches for even browning.

Resting Time: Let mixture rest in refrigerator to help meatballs hold together better.

Traditional Greek Meatballs with Herbs, Feta, and Mediterranean Flavors in Ceramic Bowl

Name: Traditional Greek Meatballs with Herbs, Feta, and Mediterranean Flavors in Ceramic Bowl
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 meatballs
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: For the Perfect Meat Blend:; 1 pound ground lamb; 1 pound ground beef (80/20); 1/2 pound ground pork; For the Flavor Foundation:; 1 large yellow onion, finely minced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped; For the Greek Seasonings:; 2 tablespoons dried oregano; 1 tablespoon dried mint; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; For the Binding Elements:; 1 large egg, beaten; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 2 tablespoons olive oil; For the Cheese Component:; 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; For the Citrus Enhancement:; 2 tablespoons lemon zest; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; For the Seasoning Balance:; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Authentic Greek-style meatballs featuring tender ground lamb and beef seasoned with fresh Mediterranean herbs, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic spices. These flavorful keftedes are perfectly spiced with oregano, mint, and garlic, then pan-fried until golden brown and served in a beautiful ceramic bowl. Each bite delivers the essence of Greek cuisine with juicy meat, crumbled feta, and the bright flavors of lemon and herbs that transport you straight to the Greek islands. Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or part of a Mediterranean mezze spread.

Prep Time

25 Minutes

Cook Time

20 Minutes

Total Time

45 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Perfect Meat Blend:

1 pound ground lamb

1 pound ground beef (80/20)

1/2 pound ground pork

For the Flavor Foundation:

1 large yellow onion, finely minced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped

For the Greek Seasonings:

2 tablespoons dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried mint

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Binding Elements:

1 large egg, beaten

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup milk

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cheese Component:

6 oz feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Citrus Enhancement:

2 tablespoons lemon zest

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For the Seasoning Balance:

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Cooking Process:

1/4 cup olive oil for frying

2 tablespoons butter

For the Fresh Herbs:

1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh oregano

For the Garnish Elements:

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Lemon wedges for serving

Fresh parsley sprigs

Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

For the Serving Accompaniments:

Tzatziki sauce

Warm pita bread

Greek salad

For the Ceramic Presentation:

Large ceramic serving bowl

Small bowls for sauces

For Special Equipment:

Large mixing bowl

Cookie scoop or spoon

Large skillet

Paper towels

Tongs

Instructions

Soak panko breadcrumbs in milk for 10 minutes until softened.

In large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb, beef, and pork.

Add finely minced onion and garlic to meat mixture.

Incorporate fresh parsley, mint, and all dried seasonings.

Add beaten egg, soaked breadcrumbs, and olive oil to mixture.

Gently fold in crumbled feta cheese and grated Parmesan.

Add lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to mixture.

Mix all ingredients gently with hands until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender and light.

Cover mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

Using cookie scoop or hands, form mixture into 24 equal balls.

Place formed meatballs on parchment-lined baking sheet.

Heat olive oil and butter in large skillet over medium heat.

Working in batches, add meatballs to hot oil without crowding.

Cook meatballs for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on bottom.

Gently turn meatballs and continue cooking until browned all over.

Total cooking time should be 12-15 minutes for thorough cooking.

Transfer cooked meatballs to paper towels to drain briefly.

Check internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.

Arrange warm meatballs in beautiful ceramic serving bowl.

Sprinkle with fresh herbs, dill, and oregano for aroma.

Crumble additional feta cheese over top of meatballs.

Drizzle with high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs and lemon wedges.

Serve immediately while hot with tzatziki and warm pita bread.

Traditional Greek Meatballs with Herbs, Feta, and Mediterranean Flavors in Ceramic Bowl

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Perfect Greek Meatballs with Authentic Mediterranean Island Flavors

Traditional Greek Meatballs with Herbs, Feta, and Mediterranean Flavors in Ceramic Bowl

Ingredients

Instructions