Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Non-stick cooking spray
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, chopped spinach, parsley, mint, red onion, garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
4. Grease a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray and arrange the meatballs on it.
5. Drizzle the olive oil over the meatballs and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 385
- Total fat: 25g
- Saturated fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 143mg
- Sodium: 662mg
- Total carbohydrates: 13g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 28g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground lamb or ground turkey.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or blue cheese.
- Chopped spinach can be substituted with kale or arugula.
- Red onion can be substituted with shallots or white onion.
Variations:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the meatball mixture for added flavor.
- Serve the meatballs with tzatziki sauce or hummus for dipping.
- Make a Greek-style meatball sub by serving the meatballs on a toasted hoagie roll with sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumber.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to mix the meatball mixture well to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Wet your hands with water before shaping the meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Use a cookie scoop to make evenly sized meatballs.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or crumbled feta cheese.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon wedges
Pairings:
- Serve with a Greek salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted potatoes
- Rice pilaf
- Grilled pita bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind it together.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the meatballs to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
Food history:
- Meatballs are a popular dish in many cultures, including Greek cuisine. They are typically made with ground meat, breadcrumbs, and spices, and can be served in a variety of ways.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, salty, and slightly tangy from the feta cheese.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or main dish.
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Region: Greek