Greek Lamb Meatballs
| Prep Time: 45 min | Cook Time: 25 min |
| Servings: 4 | Skill Level: medium |
These lamb meatballs infused with Mediterranean flavors, featuring a blend of fresh parsley, mint, and authentic Pearls Specialties Kalamata Olives give a Greek flavor to your dinner table. Serve them with a refreshing tzatziki dip made with creamy yogurt and crisp cucumber.
Recipe and image attributed by Fetty’s Food Blog
Ingredients
Tzatziki
- 2⁄3 English cucumber
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp lemon juiced
- 1⁄2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1-2 tsp extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Meatballs
- 1⁄3 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 pound ground lamb (or substitute beef if you prefer)
- 1⁄4 cup grated yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint
- 1⁄4 cup chopped Pearls Specialties Kalamata Olives
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1⁄2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1⁄2 tsp pepper
- 1 egg
Cooking Instructions
Make the Tzatziki:
- Grate the cucumber using the large side of a box grater.
- Place the grated cucumber into a fine mesh strainer and press on the cucumber to release the liquid. It’s okay if a little liquid is left behind.
- Place the cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and yogurt into a mixing bowl. Stir until well combined. Season with additional salt, if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for the flavors to meld while making the meatballs.
- When ready to serve, drizzle 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil over the top.
Make the Meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.
- In a large bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs and milk until combined. Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes for the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk.
- Add the ground lamb, onion, garlic, parsley, mint, olives, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and egg to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 11⁄2 inches in diameter (about 2 tablespoons).
- Arrange the meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Place into the oven and bake for 20 to 25
