Greek Turkey Meatballs Food

GREEK MEATBALLS RECIPE (KEFTEDES/ KEFTETHES)

Steps:

• To prepare this traditional Greek meatballs recipe (keftedes), add all the ingredients into a large bowl and mix well (for about 5-10 minutes), squeezing with your hands, to allow the flavours to blend. Cover the bowl with some plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for 1 hour.
• Turn the mixture for the keftedes out of the fridge and roll into meatballs the size of a walnut (or bigger if you prefer). If you're frying them, dredge the rolled meatballs lightly in flour making sure to shake off any excess. Fry until nicely browned on all sides.
• The traditional way of cooking Greek meatballs (keftedes) is frying them. Fry the keftedes in batches of 10-15 at a time, until nicely browned on all sides.
• Instead of frying you can bake / grill the keftedes in the oven. Preheat the oven at 200C, place the un-floured keftedes on greased baking sheet about an inch apart. Bake for about 20 minutes, turning the meatballs upside down midway through cooking time. The grilled version is much lighter than the fried so theres not excuse to not trying it now!
• Keftedes (Greek meatballs) are ideally served as an appetizer (meze) with some creamy tzatziki sauce and pita breads or as a main course with some basmati rice and a Greek salad. Enjoy!

GREEK TURKEY MEATBALL GYRO WITH TZATZIKI

Steps:

• To a large bowl add, ground turkey, diced red onion, minced garlic, oregano, fresh spinach, salt, and pepper. Using your hands mix all the ingredients together until meat forms a ball and sticks together.
• Then using your hands, form the meat mixture into 1″ balls. (about 12 meatballs).
• Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat. Add avocado oil to the pan, and then add the meatballs. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until they are browned on all sides and the internal temperature has reached 165°F. Remove from the pan and let rest.
• To a small bowl add greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, and salt to taste. Mix together until everything is combined.
• To a flatbread (I like to warm mine up so they are more pliable) add 3 meatballs, sliced red onion, tomato, and cucumber. Then top with Tzatziki sauce.

GREEK MEATBALLS

Steps:

• In a medium skillet, sweat onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until translucent, about 2 minutes. Let cool and set aside.
• Wring the excess milk out of the soaked bread cubes.
• Place all ingredients, except flour and garnishes, in a large mixing bowl and combine by hand until fully incorporated. Form into little meatballs (about 1-ounce each).
• In a large skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Dredge, or roll the meatballs in flour, and fry in the skillet until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and place on paper towels to drain the excess fat.
• Place on platter and garnish with lemon wedges and torn mint leaves.

GREEK TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH ORZO AND TZATZIKI

Steps:

• Make meatballs: Combine bread crumbs and milk in a large mixing bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow bread crumbs to soak up the liquid. Add turkey, onion, dried oregano, salt, pinch of cinnamon, and egg. Use your hands to gently combine all of the ingredients. (Note: If the mixture sticks to your hands, try wetting your hands with some water or a bit of oil which should make them easier to shape.) Form into meatballs that are about 1.5 inches in diameter. Line the formed meatballs up on a sheet pan or plate. Refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes while preparing other ingredients (this will help them to hold their shape).
• Make Tzatziki: Place grated cucumber on a clean dish towel or paper towel and squeeze gently to remove excess moisture. Combine cucumber, garlic, yogurt, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, dill, mint, and 1/2 tsp salt. Set aside.
• Cook orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package directions. Drain and toss with 2 tsp lemon juice.
• Cook meatballs: Heat a skillet or Dutch Oven (use any pan that has a lid) over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and when it begins to shimmer, carefully add meatballs. Let meatballs cook on one side until golden brown, then gently turn meatballs until evenly golden brown on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Pour stock down the side of the pan and cover with a lid. Steam meatballs until cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes more.
• Serve meatballs over orzo with Tzatziki, cucumbers, and dill.

GREEK TURKEY MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Instructions Preheat oven to 450F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Add all ingredients to a large bowl. Mix well. Roll mixture into 20 meatballs. Bake meatballs for 18-20 minutes, until the center reaches 165F. Serve as desired.

GREEK MEATBALLS AND TZATZIKI

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place a cooling rack over 2 baking sheets for roasting the meatballs and toasting the pita.
• Soak the bread in the milk. Peel the cucumber and grate into a strainer. Salt it and let it drain for 20 minutes.
• Pour the EVOO into a bowl, then add the meat and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Squeeze out the bread and crumble between your fingers as you add it to the meat. Add the mint, onions, oregano, cinnamon, 2 of the garlic cloves, egg and 1/2 of the lemon juice, and mix to combine.
• Using a small ice cream scoop, form the meat mixture into about 24 balls and place on the baking sheet. Roast to golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the oven and place the broiler on high. Char the pita under the broiler, 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side.
• Press the cucumber in the strainer to get out the excess water and add to a food processor. Then add the yogurt, dill, remaining 1 clove garlic, zest and remaining juice of the lemon. Season the sauce with cumin and salt and process until smooth.
• Serve the meatballs with the sauce and pitas.