Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Frying pan
- Slotted spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, mint, onion, garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and allspice. Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Add the meatballs to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
5. Use a slotted spoon to remove the meatballs from the pan and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve hot with tzatziki sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- Makes about 20 meatballs
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground lamb can be used instead of ground beef.
- Dried herbs can be used instead of fresh herbs.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Variations:
- Add feta cheese crumbles to the meat mixture for added flavor.
- Serve with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to mix the meat mixture well with your hands to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the meatballs from the pan to avoid excess oil.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat meatballs in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve on a platter with a side of tzatziki sauce and fresh herbs.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or mint leaves.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Rice pilaf
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are falling apart in the pan, try adding more breadcrumbs to the mixture.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the meatballs to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
Food history:
- Chiftele are a popular dish in Greek and Romanian cuisine. They are typically made with ground meat, breadcrumbs, and herbs.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, herbaceous, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or main dish.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Greek
Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herbaceous, Aromatic, Spicy