Mini Greek Meatballs Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place a cooling rack over 2 baking sheets for roasting the meatballs and toasting the pita.
• Soak the bread in the milk. Peel the cucumber and grate into a strainer. Salt it and let it drain for 20 minutes.
• Pour the EVOO into a bowl, then add the meat and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Squeeze out the bread and crumble between your fingers as you add it to the meat. Add the mint, onions, oregano, cinnamon, 2 of the garlic cloves, egg and 1/2 of the lemon juice, and mix to combine.
• Using a small ice cream scoop, form the meat mixture into about 24 balls and place on the baking sheet. Roast to golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the oven and place the broiler on high. Char the pita under the broiler, 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side.
• Press the cucumber in the strainer to get out the excess water and add to a food processor. Then add the yogurt, dill, remaining 1 clove garlic, zest and remaining juice of the lemon. Season the sauce with cumin and salt and process until smooth.
• Serve the meatballs with the sauce and pitas.

Steps:

• Remove the ground beef from the refrigerator at least 15 minutes before you start cooking. In a large bowl, soak the slices of bread in the red wine vinegar. Let them sit for 5 minutes so they can absorb the vinegar. Squeeze them dry and if there is any vinegar left, discard it. Grate the onion using a box grater and then grate the garlic cloves with the help of a microplane. Add them both to the bowl.
• Next, add the ground beef, egg, olive oil, seasoning, and parsley and mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least half an hour. (This step will make them easier to roll and hold their shape.)
• Measure out heaped tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. It should make about 25 meatballs. Place them on a tray and set aside.
• Place a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat (medium if you have a powerful gas stove). Add enough olive oil to generously cover the bottom of the skillet.
• While the oil is heating, dredge the meatballs lightly in the flour, shaking off excess and place them in the hot skillet. (You will need to cook the meatballs in two batches.) Cook on all sides for about 6 minutes, rolling them around so they cook evenly. Once they are nicely browned, remove them from the skillet and keep warm while you work with the second batch.
• Place three or four of them on a warm pita and add some tzatziki. Sprinkle with some thinly sliced red onions and minced parsley. Wrap the pita tightly around the meatballs and enjoy!
• Peel the cucumber, seed it and grate it. Place it in a colander, sprinkle with some salt and let it sit for half an hour. Squeeze the water out by pressing it between the palms of your hands. Place the grated cucumber in a medium bowl.
• Press the garlic through the press (or use a microplane) and place it in a bowl. Add the minced fresh dill.
• Add the rest of the ingredients, season with salt, mix well and refrigerate overnight or for at least a couple of hours to allow the flavors to develop.
• Before serving, stir it well and taste it. Adjust the seasoning if needed, drizzle with some extra olive oil and serve with toasted Greek pita bread cut in triangles.

Steps:

• In a medium skillet, sweat onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until translucent, about 2 minutes. Let cool and set aside.
• Wring the excess milk out of the soaked bread cubes.
• Place all ingredients, except flour and garnishes, in a large mixing bowl and combine by hand until fully incorporated. Form into little meatballs (about 1-ounce each).
• In a large skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Dredge, or roll the meatballs in flour, and fry in the skillet until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and place on paper towels to drain the excess fat.
• Place on platter and garnish with lemon wedges and torn mint leaves.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400.
• Combine all ingredients in large bowl, using your hands to mix ingredients.
• Lightly oil a 9 X 13 baking dish.
• Shape meat into 1 tablespoon size meatballs and place on baking sheet.
• Bake until browned and cooked through, about 20 minutes.

Steps:

• 1. Soak bread in wine for 5 min and then squeeze out excess liquid.
• 2. Combine meat, bread, onions, garlic, parsley, eggs, cheese, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper. Set aside and chill in fridge for 1 hour.
• 3. Pinch off 1 tbsp of meat mixture and mold it into little footballs or cigars. Place in casserole baking dish.
• 4. Combine spaghetti sauce with wine, cinnamon and cloves and pour over uncooked meatballs.
• 5. Bake uncovered in a preheated 375 degree oven for 1 hour.