Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary journey with these irresistible Feta and Parsley Meatballs! Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs bursting with the tangy richness of feta cheese and the fresh, vibrant flavor of parsley. These Mediterranean-inspired delights are not just a meal; they're a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Greece with every single bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Ground lamb or beef
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped fresh parsley, and minced garlic. Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Add breadcrumbs and beaten egg to the meat mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently mix all ingredients until well combined, being careful not to overmix which can make the meatballs tough.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes. Chilling helps the meatballs hold their shape and allows flavors to meld together.
- Using clean hands, form the meat mixture into uniform-sized meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Ensure they are compact and well-shaped to prevent falling apart during cooking.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place meatballs in the skillet, leaving space between each to ensure even browning. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, turning gently to create a golden-brown crust.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for lamb.
- Remove meatballs from the skillet and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional fresh parsley and accompanied by tzatziki sauce or a Greek salad.
Tips
- Chill Your Mixture: Refrigerating the meat mixture for 15-20 minutes helps bind ingredients and prevents the meatballs from falling apart during cooking.
- Don't Overmix: Gently combine ingredients to keep the meatballs tender. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense meatballs.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure food safety and perfect doneness by checking the internal temperature (160°F for beef, 165°F for lamb).
- Create Uniform Size: Use a small ice cream scoop or weigh each meatball to ensure even cooking and consistent presentation.
- Let Them Rest: After cooking, allow meatballs to rest for 3-5 minutes to redistribute juices, keeping them moist and flavorful.
- Optional Serving Suggestions: Pair with tzatziki sauce, a Greek salad, or serve over warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 510kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 160mg
