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Crispy Greek Lamb Meatballs (Keftedes Arni) Recipe

Crispy Greek Lamb Meatballs (Keftedes Arni)

Bushra
Traditional Greek lamb meatballs that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Greek
Servings 55 pieces
Calories 80 kcal

Equipment

  • Large deep skillet
  • Large bowl

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 kg ground lamb (35 oz.)
  • 1 large red onion grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint chopped
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Greek kefalotyri cheese or pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano finely grated (optional)
  • salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • flour for dredging
  • oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • To prepare this traditional Greek lamb meatballs recipe (arnisioi keftedes), add all the ingredients into a large bowl and mix , squeezing with your hands, to allow the flavours to blend. Cover the bowl with some plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
  • To form your Greek lamb meatballs, roll the mixture into balls, the size of a walnut. Dredge lightly each meatball in flour, until well covered. Transfer to a plate, shaking off any excess flour.
  • The traditional way of cooking Greek lamb meatballs is frying them in plenty of oil.
  • To fry Greek lamb meatballs use a large, deep skillet and pour in the oil to a depth of 1/2 an inch (1,5 cm). Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it begins to ripple. Add the lamb meatballs in batches in a single layer and fry for about 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and crisp on all sides. Using a slotted spoon, remove the meatballs to a plate lined with paper.
  • If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake/ grill the meatballs. Preheat the oven at 200C, place the lamb meatballs on greased baking sheet about an inch apart. Bake for about 20 minutes, turning the meatballs upside down midway through cooking time.
  • Greek lamb meatballs are ideally served as an appetizer (meze) with some creamy tzatziki sauce and pita breads or as a main course with some basmati rice and Greek salad. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 2.8gProtein: 3.6gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2.1gCholesterol: 16.7mgSodium: 63.3mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.2g
Keyword crispy fried meatballs, Greek cuisine, lamb keftedes, Mediterranean meatballs, traditional Greek appetizer
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