Dive into a culinary adventure with these Greek Lamb Feta Meatballs, a dish that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the sun-soaked shores of Greece! Juicy lamb meatballs infused with creamy feta and aromatic herbs are perfectly paired with a refreshing tzatziki sauce that will leave you craving more. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a delightful meal, this recipe is not just a feast for the stomach but a celebration of flavors that will impress everyone at your table. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 cucumber, grated
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb, crumbled feta cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried oregano, and beaten egg. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gently form the mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create around 12-16 meatballs depending on desired size.
- Prepare the tzatziki sauce by first grating the cucumber and gently squeezing out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- In a separate bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, rotating to achieve an even golden-brown exterior.
- Check internal temperature of meatballs reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure proper cooking. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot meatballs alongside chilled tzatziki sauce, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh garlic and herbs. Fresh oregano can elevate the taste of your meatballs significantly.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients for the meatballs, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Chill the Mixture: If you have time, let the meatball mixture chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before forming them. This helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
- Test for Flavor: Before cooking all the meatballs, fry a small patty to taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as necessary.
- Cook in Batches: To achieve a nice golden-brown crust, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook the meatballs in batches if necessary.
- Perfect Tzatziki: Allow the tzatziki sauce to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time enhances the flavors and makes it even more refreshing.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill not only adds color but also enhances the flavor of the dish when serving.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve these meatballs with warm pita bread and a simple Greek salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 120mg
