{"id":"recipe_64aed3baf6","slug":"greek-meatballs-keftedakia","title":"Greek Meatballs (Keftedakia)","description":"Crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy on the inside, these traditional Greek meatballs are infused with the cooling aroma of fresh mint and the earthy punch of oregano.","serves":6,"time":{"prepMinutes":20,"cookMinutes":25,"totalMinutes":45,"activeMinutes":45},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"500g ground beef (80/20)","name":"Ground Beef","quantity":500,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1.1,"usUnit":"lb","form":"ground","notes":"80/20 fat content preferred","group":"meat","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"1 red onion, grated","name":"Red Onion","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"grated","notes":"red","group":"aromatics","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"2 garlic cloves, minced","name":"Garlic","quantity":2,"unit":"clove","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"clove","form":"minced","notes":"","group":"aromatics","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"100g stale bread, soaked in milk and squeezed dry","name":"Stale bread","quantity":100,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"cup","form":"soaked and squeezed","notes":"stale white bread","group":"binder","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"1 large egg","name":"Egg","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"whole","notes":"large","group":"binder","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped","name":"Mint","quantity":30,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"chopped","notes":"fresh","group":"herbs","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-7","original":"1 tsp dried oregano","name":"Oregano","quantity":5,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"dried","notes":"","group":"herbs","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-8","original":"50g all-purpose flour for dredging","name":"All-purpose flour","quantity":50,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1/2","usUnit":"cup","form":"powder","notes":"for coating","group":"coating","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-9","original":"Olive oil for frying","name":"Olive Oil","quantity":250,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"cup","form":"liquid","notes":"for frying","group":"fat","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, soaked bread, egg, mint, and oregano. Season generously with salt and pepper.","group":"Preparation","title":"Combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, soaked bread, egg, mint","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"Knead the mixture thoroughly for about 5 minutes until the ingredients are well integrated and the texture becomes slightly tacky.","group":"Preparation","title":"Knead the mixture thoroughly","timerMinutes":5,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Form the mixture into small balls (roughly the size of a walnut). Roll each ball in the flour to coat lightly, shaking off any excess.","group":"Shaping","title":"Form the mixture","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Shaping"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot 180°C (356°F), fry the meatballs in batches for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.","group":"Cooking","title":"Heat olive oil in a large pan","timerMinutes":10,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"}],"notes":"For the most authentic flavor, let the mixture rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling; this allows the herbs to fully penetrate the meat.","cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Greek"]},"course":["appetizer","main"],"cookingMethod":["fry"],"equipment":["Large bowl","Frying pan","Grater"],"diet":["high_protein"],"allergens":["wheat","gluten","milk","eggs"],"difficulty":"medium","yield":{"amount":24,"unit":"piece","note":"Makes approximately 24-30 small meatballs"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"The meat mixture can be prepared 24 hours in advance and kept in the fridge."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store in an airtight container. They are delicious cold or reheated.","reheatingNotes":"Reheat in an oven at 175°C (347°F) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_64aed3baf6%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=898c4e50-5458-4a41-8cb6-7cf64d295e41","imageAlt":"Greek Meatballs (Keftedakia) — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["meatballs","greek","mediterranean","snack","appetizer","protein"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Greek Meatballs (Keftedakia)","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T01:52:19.038Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T01:52:19.038Z","related":[{"id":"ac_l_ezme_d064be0373","slug":"acili-ezme","title":"Acılı Ezme","description":"A classic Turkish spicy vegetable salad and condiment featuring finely chopped tomatoes, peppers, and onions, balanced with the tang of pomegranate molasses and aromatic herbs.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":20,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":20,"activeMinutes":20},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Turkish"]},"course":["sauce","appetizer"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","nut_free","low_carb"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fac_l_ezme_d064be0373%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=ac6fc624-4435-4cfa-9991-d45441036707","imageAlt":"Acılı Ezme — recipe cover","tags":["spicy","dip","vegetable","healthy","turkish","mezze"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":14,"stepCount":5},{"id":"recipe_2f05621352","slug":"bouyiourdi-greek-baked-feta","title":"Bouyiourdi (Greek Baked Feta)","description":"A traditional Greek meze featuring salty feta cheese baked until melted with juicy tomatoes, spicy peppers, and fragrant extra virgin olive oil.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Greek"]},"course":["appetizer"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_2f05621352%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=fd6db74e-cfd9-46b5-aa96-6e0e76c26c9a","imageAlt":"Bouyiourdi (Greek Baked Feta) — recipe cover","tags":["feta","baked cheese","greek meze","spicy","vegetarian"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":6,"stepCount":5},{"id":"recipe_66184712aa","slug":"creamy-homemade-hummus","title":"Creamy Homemade Hummus","description":"A silky, rich, and authentic Mediterranean chickpea dip blended with nutty tahini, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic garlic. Perfect for dipping or as a spread.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":15,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":15,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Levantine","Middle Eastern"]},"course":["appetizer","side"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","high_protein","mediterranean","low_carb"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_66184712aa%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=648d20cf-84fe-4052-b8d8-79fced2e9554","imageAlt":"Creamy Homemade Hummus — recipe cover","tags":["hummus","chickpeas","vegan","healthy","mediterranean","dip","high protein","gluten free"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":8,"stepCount":5}]}