Keftedes

Keftedes

KO’s Greek Meatballs recipe has been refined and improved over a lifetime by one of Kali Orexi’s favourite guests, Vasiliki, and demonstrated by me, Christine, using the quick and easy-to-follow, hands-only video format. These meatballs are an absolute crowd-pleaser whether served as an appetizer; part of a feasting spread at a celebration; or as a main at a family dinner with a Greek Salad, roasted potatoes and Tzatziki. Make them now and prepare for applause!

Ingredients

For the keftedes…
400 g minced beef topside
100 g minced pork shoulder
2 eggs
2 medium onions finely grated or processed
1 garlic clove finely crushed
1 large bunch parsley washed and finely chopped
1 small bunch mint washed and finely chopped
1/2 soup spoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 heaped tablespoons fine breadcrumbs
2 heaped tablespoons flour self-raising
2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgon
1-2 teaspoons vinegar
Additional oil for cooking the keftedes

 

Preparation

Watch the full recipe video below. Subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the Subscribe link on the video.

Prepare the Keftedes…

  1. Prepare the onions, garlic and herbs

  2. Using your hands, combine all of the ingredients well in a large mixing bowl

  3. Check that the mixture isn’t too soft by rolling a kefte and confirming that it retains its shape. If the kefte doesn’t hold its shape, you may need to add some more breadcrumbs or self-raising flour. It’s best to err on the side of the mixture being too soft rather than too hard though, as this will be reflected in the cooked version

  4. Add enough oil to the frypan to cover 2/3 of a kefte

  5. Heat the oil over a medium flame

  6. While the oil is heating up, roll the mixture into balls of approximately 4cm diameter

  7. Once the oil is ready for frying, place the keftedes into the frying pan

  8. When the keftedes have browned on one side, turn them over and cook them until they brown on the other side as well

  9. Remove the keftedes from the frying pan and place them on a dish lined with paper towelling to absorb the excess oil


Serving the Keftedes

  1. Keftedes are extremely versatile. They are great on their own, with tzatziki or a tomato sugo as an appetizer, or even as a main meal when served with a generous Greek Salad and roast potatoes.