Description
This recipe offers a simple and delicious way to make homemade Greek meatballs using lean ground chicken or turkey, flavored with fresh herbs and traditional Greek spices. The meatballs are baked to perfection, making them a healthier alternative to fried versions, and are best served warm with a refreshing tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Chicken or Turkey (Lean meats serve as the base for the meatballs.)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Plain breadcrumbs provide structure and texture.)
- 1/4 cup Parsley, chopped (Adds brightness and flavor.)
- 2 tablespoons Mint, chopped (Provides a refreshing contrast.)
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped (Contributes moisture and sweetness.)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (Infuses robust flavor.)
- 1 large Egg (Acts as a binder.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavors.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground for best flavor.)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For frying and flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (Traditional Greek spice.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin (Adds depth of flavor.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Sauté Onions: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent, which brings out sweetness and moisture.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute to infuse its robust flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey with the sautéed onion and garlic mixture, melding their flavors.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, chopped mint, egg, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and ground cumin to the bowl.
- Mix: Gently mix all ingredients together until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs approximately 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the formed meatballs to keep them moist and aid browning.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
- Prepare Tzatziki: While the meatballs bake, prepare a simple tzatziki sauce as a refreshing accompaniment.
- Rest: Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after baking to let juices redistribute.
- Serve: Serve the warm meatballs alongside the tzatziki sauce for a classic Greek meal experience.
Notes
- Using lean ground poultry keeps the meatballs light and healthy.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid dense meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and add texture.
- Sautéing the onions and garlic before mixing adds depth of flavor.
- The baking method reduces the fat content compared to frying.
- Serve with tzatziki or your favorite Greek sides for an authentic meal.
- You can substitute ground beef or lamb if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
