Keftedes (Greek Meatballs with Mint and Oregano)
Local name: Κεφτέδες
In short: Small Greek meatballs flavored with mint, parsley and oregano, rolled in flour and fried until deep brown, served with lemon. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 445 kcal
Keftedes are Greek meatballs, seasoned with mint, parsley and oregano and made with soaked bread and grated onion for tenderness. Rolled in flour and fried until deep brown, they are served as meze with lemon, as a main with potatoes or tucked into pita. The mix keeps well in the fridge before frying, so it is a good dish for parties.
Instructions
- Soak the bread in water for 5 minutes, then squeeze it very dry and tear it into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the beef, pork, bread, onion, garlic, egg, mint, parsley, oregano, wine, salt and pepper. Knead for 1 to 2 minutes until sticky. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll the mixture into about 30 balls the size of a walnut, about 25 g (1 oz) each. Roll them lightly in the flour and flatten them slightly.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until deep brown and cooked through to 71°C (160°F).
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm with lemon wedges.
Tips
- Grated onion and squeezed bread keep the meatballs juicy. Keep the mixture cold while you shape the balls so they hold together.
- For a lighter version, bake them on an oiled tray at 220°C (425°F) for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once.
Questions and answers
Can I bake keftedes instead of frying?
Yes. Brush them with oil and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once. They are less crisp but lighter.
Can I freeze keftedes?
Yes. Freeze raw or fried meatballs for up to 3 months. Fry from thawed, or reheat cooked ones in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 12 minutes.
What do you serve with keftedes?
Tzatziki, pita, fried potatoes, a tomato salad or lemon rice. Smaller ones are served as meze.
How long does it take to make Keftedes (Greek Meatballs with Mint and Oregano)?
About 50 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Keftedes (Greek Meatballs with Mint and Oregano)?
About 445 kcal per serving, with 27 g of protein, 14 g of carbohydrates and 31 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 445 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 31 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
