Greek-style meatballs
Description
The recipe won't take much time. You can find these meatballs in cafes and restaurants all over the Mediterranean, but their true homeland is Greece, or more precisely, Cyprus. They are called keftedes and are made from minced meat with the addition of vegetables, fruits, cheese, breadcrumbs, etc. This Greek-style meatball recipe, made with apple and mint, in my opinion, is one of the best: the keftedes turn out incredibly tender, juicy, and aromatic. There are many ways to prepare keftedes—they can be simply fried in oil, stewed, or baked in sauce, usually tomato-based. They taste delicious no matter how you cook them, so choose your preferred version—lighter and healthier, or richer and more caloric. Serve hot.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Cut off the crust from the bread (if it is too stale) and soak it in milk.
- 2
Step 2
Grate the apple on a grater.
- 3
Step 3
Finely chop the onion.
- 4
Step 4
Mince the garlic with a knife or press it through a garlic press.
- 5
Step 5
Wash the herbs (including mint), dry them, and chop finely.
- 6
Step 6
Add the mashed bread, apple, onion, and garlic to the minced meat. Season with salt and pepper, add the egg. Mix thoroughly.
- 7
Step 7
Form small meatballs from the minced meat, the size of a table tennis ball.
- 8
Step 8
Set the meatball preparations aside. Scald the tomatoes with boiling water and peel them.
- 9
Step 9
Chop the meat and place it in a saucepan. Add tomato paste, a few tablespoons of oil, and, if desired, olives. Season with salt and pepper, then bring to a boil.
- 10
Step 10
Sear the meatballs in oil until golden brown, then bake in the oven or place directly into the sauce without prior preparation. Simmer over low heat, covered, for 15 minutes. Serve with any side dish and a vegetable salad.