GREEK MEATBALLS WITH TZATZIKI AND TOASTED PITA

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Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki and Toasted Pita image

A traditional Greek recipe for juicy meatballs served over toasted pita with tzatziki!

Provided by Marilena Leavitt

Categories     Main Course or Appetizer     Appetizer

Time 35m

Yield 4-5

Number Of Ingredients 23

1 lb. ground beef (or a combination of beef & lamb, or beef & pork)
2 slices good quality day-old bread, crusts removed
2-3 TBSP. red wine vinegar
½ onion, grated
2 med. garlic cloves
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 TBSP. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. sea salt
¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper
½ tsp. dried Greek oregano
½ tsp. dried spearmint
3 TBSP. fresh parsley, minced
½ cup flour
--- olive oil for the pan
--- red onions for serving, sliced very thinly (optional)
--- parsley, minced for serving (optional)
½ English cucumber peeled, seeded & grated
2-3 med. garlic cloves, finely minced or passed through the garlic press
2-3 TBSP. fresh dill, finely minced
16 oz. container of plain Greek yogurt (like FAGE)
3 TBSP. extra virgin olive oil
1 TBSP. wine vinegar
¼ tsp. salt

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.

Ruby Lunn
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These meatballs were a bit too spicy for my taste. I think I would use less pepper next time.


Az_x_ StOrM
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These meatballs were a bit too salty for my taste. I think I would use less salt next time.


Malajah Gray
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These meatballs were a bit dry. I think I would add more moisture next time. The tzatziki sauce was good, though.


Chloe Mullins
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I thought these meatballs were just okay. They weren't bad, but they weren't anything special either. The tzatziki sauce was good, though.


Almighty Foot
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These meatballs were a bit too oily for my taste. I think I would drain them better next time. The tzatziki sauce was good, though.


Nita May
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I had trouble getting the meatballs to stay together. I think I may have overcooked them. The tzatziki sauce was good, though.


Alamgir Kabir
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These meatballs were a bit bland for my taste. I think I would add more spices next time. The tzatziki sauce was good, though.


zakria sarki
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I'm not a big fan of Greek food, but I really enjoyed these meatballs. They were very flavorful and the tzatziki sauce was delicious. I would definitely make these again.


Hanna Ismail
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This is one of my favorite recipes! The meatballs are so tender and juicy, and the tzatziki sauce is incredibly refreshing. I love serving these meatballs with pita bread and a side salad.


Adnan Robin
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I've made this recipe several times and it's always a winner. The meatballs are moist and flavorful, and the tzatziki sauce is the perfect complement. I also love that this dish can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.


Md Chounkhan
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These meatballs are delicious! I love the combination of flavors. The tzatziki sauce is also very good. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


Hussnain Ghazanfar
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I made these meatballs for a party and they were a huge success! Everyone raved about them. The tzatziki sauce was also a big hit. I will definitely be making these again.


Rehman Afridi
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I love this recipe! The meatballs are so juicy and flavorful, and the tzatziki sauce is incredibly refreshing. I also love that this dish is relatively easy to make. It's a great weeknight meal.


Belisa Isaac
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These Greek meatballs were a hit with my family! The flavors were amazing, and the tzatziki sauce was the perfect complement. I will definitely be making these again.