Greek style meatballs can be used as part of a dinner with vegies or salad or as a snack.
So what’s the history of the meatball in 20 seconds.
Meatballs are one of the most popular dishes in the world. They can be found in cuisines from all over the globe, and there are endless variations on the recipe. But where did this delicious dish come from? And how did it become so popular?
The origin of the meatball is unknown, however, early recipes can be found in a Roman cookbook (Apicius) and also in early Persian recipes There are many regional variations on the recipe, but the most common ingredients are ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and eggs. However, in different regions of the world additional spices and vegetables are added to create many unique, wonderful and of course delicious flavours.
Meatballs became popular in the United States in the nineteenth century, thanks to Italian immigrants who brought their recipes with them. The dish was originally served as a main course, but it soon became a popular appetizer or side dish. Today, meatballs are enjoyed all over the world and can be made with a variety of different meats, including beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and turkey. There are endless possibilities for customization, so everyone can enjoy their own perfect meatball!
Greek Style Meatballs
Ingredients
500 grams ground beef (minced beef)
500 grams ground pork (minced pork)
1 cup bread crumbs
2 eggs
¼ cup cooking cream
2 teaspoons Italian herbs (oregano, rosemary, thyme, and sometimes basil and parsley)
1 teaspoon salt - to taste
1 teaspoon ground black pepper - to taste
2 tablespoons peanut oil - or any frying oil of your choice
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your pork and beef mince and mix till well combine.
- Now add your breadcrumbs, eggs, cooking cream, and some herbs.
- I like to use mixed Italian herbs but you can use any herbs of your choice.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Depending on the size you want your meatballs, roll 1 teaspoons of the mixture into a ball.
- Transfer to a plate.
- Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- In a heavy based frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil over medium-high heat.
- Add some meatballs.
- Cook for 4 minutes or until just browned.
- Do not to put too many meatballs in the frying pan, otherwise they will soak up too much oil and not cook as quickly.
- Repeat this step till all your meatballs are cooked.
Nutrition
What is a Greek meatball made of?
To make Greek meatballs mix equal amounts of beef and pork together with Greek herbs such as basil, bay leaf, dill, fennel, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, purslane, rosemary, sage, savory, tarragon, and thyme. In the recipe above we use “Italian” Herbs which is a subset of these including basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley and oregano. Breadcrumbs and egg help to bind the meatball. Play with the flavours and try different mixes of herbs to see what you like best.
What are Mediterranean meatballs made of?
The Mediterranean meatball is a little simpler than the Greek meatball as it will use beef mince (ground beef) together with cumin and parsley.
What is the secret to good meatballs?
Good quality ground meat and mixes of different meats (i.e. beef with pork) can provide different flavours vs using just beef. Breadcrumbs which can be up to 50% of the mixture, herbs for additional flavour and an egg to help hold it all together. Best to play with the herbs to find what you like and balance with the meats you choose.
What to put on meatballs to stick together?
It’s what you put in them. Your meats should be moist and together with herbs you add breadcrumbs and egg to bind the meatball.
