Authentic Greek Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe

Flavorful Garlic Greek cuisine Greek lamb meatballs Greek yogurt ground lamb healthy Homemade Mediterranean Nutritious Onion Recipe Spices Traditional Tzatziki

Posted October 2, 2023 by: Admin #Kitchen

These classic Greek lamb meatballs boast a delightful crispy exterior, while remaining tender and succulent on the inside, bursting with authentic Greek flavors. Prepare these delectable meatballs tonight for a scrumptious and wholesome meal that’s certain to win over the entire family.

Greek Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki

Greek cuisine ranks among my personal favorites, brimming with vibrant flavors, aromatic herbs, and aromatic spices. From spanakopita to dolma to moussaka, not to mention feta, olives, and onions, the allure of Greek food keeps drawing me in. Traditional Greek meatballs, known as Keftedes, are usually served as an appetizer or meze (meh-ZEH).

While Greek meatballs can be crafted from various combinations of ground meat, I’ve chosen lamb for this recipe. However, if lamb isn’t available, a blend of beef and pork can be a fine substitute. What truly gives these meatballs their Greek identity is the infusion of flavors and spices into the meat mixture: onions, garlic, oregano, and fresh mint all contribute to that distinct Greek flair.

Greek Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki

In addition to the meatballs, I’ve prepared a wonderfully healthy homemade tzatziki sauce to serve as a refreshing dip. To achieve the finest tzatziki, opt for the highest-quality Greek yogurt available, preferably full-fat to retain all its nutritional benefits. Paired with my straightforward Greek salad, these Greek lamb meatballs with tzatziki make for the ideal weeknight meal.

Greek Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki

Crafted with ground lamb, garlic, onions, and a medley of spices, these Greek lamb meatballs paired with tzatziki are both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor!

Ingredients

Lamb Meatball:

1 pound ground lamb
1/4 cup minced red onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon minced fresh mint

Tzatziki:

1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, seeds removed and shredded
2 cloves minced garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh mint
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F.
In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the meatballs. Using your hands, thoroughly mix the meat mixture until well incorporated.
With your hands, shape the meat mixture into balls, roughly the size of golf balls. For consistency, consider using an ice cream scoop.
Transfer the formed meatballs onto a large baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked.
Optional: After baking, you can quickly pan-fry the meatballs in a cast iron skillet to achieve a slightly crispy exterior.
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Cut the cucumber lengthwise, remove the seeds, and grate the cucumber into small pieces using a cheese grater.
Combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, mint, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and sea salt in a small bowl. Stir well to combine.
Serve the cooked meatballs with the tzatziki sauce.
Enjoy!