Greek Meatballs

or "keftedes".

*Disclaimer: I am not Greek. Generally speaking, I don't cook Greek food. If you are Greek, please feel free to hate this recipe, say "these are not keftedes", or just ignore entirely. I will not be offended. :)  I've taken some liberties in changing this recipe from traditional keftedes.

I will say though, that they are pretty darn tasty, simple, fast, and use ingredients that I almost always have in my kitchen/garden :)

So without further ado,

Keftedes

(Chris' Diet Version)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large bowl, add the following ingredients

1.5 lbs. lean ground beef

zest of 1/2 lemon

juice of 1/2 lemon

1/2 large onion, grated

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

about 2 sprigs of fresh mint, chopped

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
a pinch of nutmeg

1 egg, beaten

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Mix until just incorporated (I use my hands). Don't overwork.

Shape into balls (I make mine about the size of a golf ball),

and place on a baking sheet, not touching.

Bake for 20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.

Serve with some slices of lemon.

Makes about 24 meatballs.

 I served mine with cucumber salad and chickpeas.
Enjoy!