Greek Meatballs (Keftaidakia) 

Keftaidakia (or Kefty for short) is a beloved traditional dish that transcends borders, prevalent throughout the Middle East, where each country adds its subtle twist to the recipe. These tender, herb-infused meatballs are a versatile delight, perfect as appetizers during a dinner party, nestled in a pita for lunch, or even enjoyed as a snack. With their rich flavors and satisfying texture, Keftaidakia are truly delicious anytime, offering a taste of Mediterranean culinary tradition that’s sure to impress. Enjoy!

Greek Meatballs (Keftaidakia)

Greek Meatballs (Keftaidakia) are versatile and can be made with ground beef, lamb, pork, or even vegetarian "Impossible Burger." For an appetizer, serve the meatballs on a plate with Tzatziki on the side. If you're making them for lunch, tuck them into a pita with all the trimmings for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 19 minutes
Servings 6 people

Equipment

  • Food Processor This just makes it easier to cop all the ingredients

Ingredients
  

Meatballs (Keftaidaikia) 

  • 2 lbs ground beef (or substitute with ground lamb or pork for a different flavor)  (If you are vegetarian: just substitute "Impossible burger") 
  • 1 meduim onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp fresh or dried mint (optional: add more to taste) (rub together when placing into bowl- this will bring out the flavor) 
  • 1 tsp  dried GREEK oregano (yes there is a difference) add more if desired (rub together when placing into bowl- this will bring out the flavor)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 dash white wine or white wine vinegar (Not too much!) 
  • 1/2 cup Plain, Italian or Panko bread crumbs  (some people skip this- I do not)
  • 1/2 cup Feta cheese (optional)
  • Dash of cinnamon and dash of nutmeg (some people skip this- I do not)
  • 1-2 tbsp oil for  the baking pan  (extra virgin)

Fixings (optional) for the Pita Sandwich

  • pita bread (brushed with Olive oil and heated in a skillet) See: Le Creuset Skillet 
  • cucumber, sliced
  • tomato, sliced
  • fresh or raosted red pepper, sliced
  • red oion, thinly sliced
  • pitted olives
  • sause such as Tzatziki or Hummus

Instructions
 

Prep

  • Preheat your oven to 450-475°F, depending on how hot your oven gets.
  • Prep your ingredients by chopping up onion, garlic, parsley and mint. Crumble the Feta cheese if using.

Mix Ingredients:

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground meat (or "Impossible Burger"), diced onion, minced garlic, parsley, egg, mint, oregano, a dash of white wine or vinegar, bread crumbs, feta cheese (if using), and the optional cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly.

Form Meatballs:

  • Shape the mixture into balls and place them on an oiled cookie sheet.

Bake:

  • Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The bake time may vary depending on your oven, so ensure they are slightly browned and firm on the outside.

Serve:

  • Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving. These meatballs are delicious with any of your favorite sauces, such as Tzatziki. Serve them as an appetizer with Tzatziki on the side, or tuck them into a pita with all the Fixings for a satisfying lunch.
  • Enjoy your perfectly baked Greek Meatballs!
  • Optional–> Make a salad to accompany the meatballs.

Notes

Many people mistakenly believe that only Kalamata olives are truly “Greek.” However, Kalamata actually refers to a location, not a specific olive type. Greece is home to a variety of delicious olives from different regions, including Crete, Cyprus, and beyond. So, if you see olives labeled from these areas, don’t hesitate to try them—they’re all authentic and offer unique flavors!
See my recipe for Tzatziki.
Keyword Appetizer, Lunch, Snack, Vegetarian
Kefaidakia as an appetizer
Keftaidakia as a sandwich
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