Greek Meatball Hero Recipes

GREEK MEATBALLS AND TZATZIKI

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place a cooling rack over 2 baking sheets for roasting the meatballs and toasting the pita.
• Soak the bread in the milk. Peel the cucumber and grate into a strainer. Salt it and let it drain for 20 minutes.
• Pour the EVOO into a bowl, then add the meat and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Squeeze out the bread and crumble between your fingers as you add it to the meat. Add the mint, onions, oregano, cinnamon, 2 of the garlic cloves, egg and 1/2 of the lemon juice, and mix to combine.
• Using a small ice cream scoop, form the meat mixture into about 24 balls and place on the baking sheet. Roast to golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the oven and place the broiler on high. Char the pita under the broiler, 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side.
• Press the cucumber in the strainer to get out the excess water and add to a food processor. Then add the yogurt, dill, remaining 1 clove garlic, zest and remaining juice of the lemon. Season the sauce with cumin and salt and process until smooth.
• Serve the meatballs with the sauce and pitas.

GREEK MEATBALLS

Steps:

• In a medium skillet, sweat onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until translucent, about 2 minutes. Let cool and set aside.
• Wring the excess milk out of the soaked bread cubes.
• Place all ingredients, except flour and garnishes, in a large mixing bowl and combine by hand until fully incorporated. Form into little meatballs (about 1-ounce each).
• In a large skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Dredge, or roll the meatballs in flour, and fry in the skillet until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and place on paper towels to drain the excess fat.
• Place on platter and garnish with lemon wedges and torn mint leaves.

GREEK MEATBALL HERO

Steps:

• For the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Mix the breadcrumbs with the milk in a small bowl and rest for 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumb mixture, the beef, feta, Parmesan, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic and eggs. Portion the meatballs into 3-ounce balls (16 meatballs total), then roll in your hands and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until the meatballs start to brown, 15 minutes.
• For the hero: Place the tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and parsley in a bowl. Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice into the bowl and gently toss the vegetables to coat. Season the salad with salt and set aside.
• Split the hero rolls lengthwise three-quarters of the way through (one end should still be connected). Toast the inside of the rolls on a hot griddle. Place the cooked meatballs on the griddle to crisp the outside and heat through. Place 4 meatballs in a toasted hero roll, then dollop 2 ounces of the tzatziki over the top, and finish with some of the salad. Repeat for the remaining hero rolls, then serve.