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chloebud

Greek Meatballs

7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago

The post about making 30 meatballs made me think of this recipe again. This recipe's from a cookbook I've used often called "The Meatball Shop Cookbook." I've made these meatballs many times, but the photos are from the first time I tried the recipe about 6 years ago. The preserved lemon is optional but nice. If I don't use it I add a little lemon zest to the recipe. I actually do get 24 meatballs with this.

"The Greek" Meatballs

Makes about 24 1 1/2-inch meatballs

2 T. olive oil
2 pounds ground lamb
2 large eggs
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 T. crumbled Feta cheese
3 T. chopped fresh mint
1 T. chopped fresh oregano (or 1 tsp. dried)
1 garlic clove, minced (I use more - 2 or 3)
1 1/2 tsp. salt, or to taste (I use a little less due to the Feta)

Ground pepper, to taste (not in original recipe but I add it)

1/4 preserved lemon, chopped (see below)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Drizzle olive oil and spread evenly in a 9 x 13 inch baking pan.

Combine the ground lamb, eggs, bread crumbs, olives, feta, parsley, mint, oregano, salt and preserved lemon in a large mixing bowl and mix by hand until thoroughly incorporated.

Roll the mixture into 1-1/2 inch meatballs, packing firmly.

Place into the prepared baking dish, being careful to line them up snugly and in even rows. The meatballs should be touching each other. Roast for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Internal temperature 165 degrees.

Quick Preserved Lemon:
1 lemon and 1/2 cup salt
Bring 2 quarts water to rolling boil in saucepan over high heat. Add lemon and salt; bring back to boil for 15 minutes. Remove lemon from water and allow to cool. Will keep in fridge for a week.

Going into oven...


Ready to serve...




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