Description
A quick and easy recipe for tender meatballs flavored with herbs and lemon, simmered in a tangy broth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef and/or lamb
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano or 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 2 large lemons
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or oregano, chopped
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional)
Instructions
- Soak breadcrumbs in milk or broth for 5–10 minutes until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine soaked breadcrumbs, ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, egg, Greek yogurt (if using), parsley, mint (if using), oregano, lemon zest, cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Mix gently by hand until just combined.
- Chill the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Wet hands and roll the mixture into uniform 1.5-inch balls.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs for about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In a saucepan, warm 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring in dill or oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add browned meatballs to the simmering sauce. Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
Notes
For a different texture, try slow-braising the meatballs in tomato sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying and Simmering
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg