Last Updated on January 12, 2020 by Chef Mireille
Keftedes – Greek Meatballs with Mint Yogurt Sauce – These aromatic meatballs are perfect to bring to your summer picnics, barbecues and garden parties!
Here in America when you say meatballs, the first thing that comes into our heads is the classic Italian American dish of Spaghetti & Meatballs. However, in Greece it’s different. Meatballs are generally served as an appetizer or part of meze, a variety of small plates. The meatballs are usually served with some kind of savory yogurt sauce like the classic tzatziki. In my version, I created a minty yogurt sauce, using the flavors of Greece. I guarantee these Keftedes – Greek Meatballs with Mint Yogurt Sauce will be at a hit at your next party. They are usually fried, however I opted for a healthier version by baking them. You can even put them on the grill now that the summer barbecue season is about to start.
I have even made them mini sized in the past to serve at cocktail parties. Although these have some pork in them, simply replace the ground pork with ground beef or make them 100% lamb and with Ramadan approaching, consider them as an option for Iftar.
Here are some more Greek/Middle Eastern inspired foods to complete your meze!
Meze Recipes
- Manakish – Za’atar Bread
- Bazlama – Yogurt Flatbread
- Pumpkin Hummus
- Stuffed Peppers
Want to make them Vegetarian? Use mashed chickpeas for some flavorful “faux” meatballs!
IN THE MAKING
Serve with the yogurt sauce and pita bread or slice them up and make a sandwich with lettuce and tomato.
Keftedes – Greek Meatballs with Mint Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
- 25 oz. ground lamb or beef
- 1 lb. ground pork
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic cloves
- 1 large red onion pulverized to pulp in the food processor
- 1/3 cup finely chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped mint
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- Yogurt Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped mint
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sumac + more for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, garlic, onion, parsley, mint, oregano, olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Add egg and breadcrumbs. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Preheat oven to 375 F. Spray 2 cookie sheets with non stick spray.
- Form into meatballs and place on the cookie sheets.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Turn meatballs. Bake for another 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add the lemon juice, mint, salt and pepper to the yogurt in a bowl.
- Whisk well. Garnish with more sumac.
- Serve meatballs with the mint yogurt sauce.
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Give me that plate, omg those meatballs with min yogurt sauce wow wat an irresistible dish.
yes – they are definitely a crowd pleaser
This is one is going to be on my iftar table in the coming days. Thanks Mireille.
I am sure you will love them!
These meatballs look so good Mir. Guess we can even cook them in an appe pan..
of course you can. that would be fab
These meatballs look perfect for dinner!
Yes – pair it with some pita bread and dinner is on the table!
I love the mint yoghurt sauce you serve these meatballs with. I would eat them with salad and pitta
its a great meal!
These look marvelous! I almost want to try and make a spin on gyro using these meatballs!
Slice them up and they definitely would make a great gyro!
I love Greek cuisine and these meatballs look super good. The mint yogurt sauce sounds heavenly too!
yes its a great combo – Pita bread and you have a meal!
I love mint sauce– this sounds like such a wonderful combination!
yes the mint balances the game flavor of lamb that some people find displeasing although I dont – I love lamb!
I love the idea of you giving us a vegetarian option , that’s really cool ! Makes it more interesting to read on .
I try I think most recipes can easily be adapted to Veg
I am awstruck. Wanna grab them rightaway
They are quite addictive
Love the idea Mir! I believe my kid will be happy with them in her snack box.
all the herbs really do make them so flavorful
One of my fav.. Wish i had some now 🙂 Too tempting!!
meatballs full of fresh herbs is very hard to resist for sure!
That plate looks super inviting!..very nicely done..
Those meatballs with yogurt sauce look amazing. The vegetarian option sounds very inviting. Thanks, fo sharing.
yes the vegetarian version would be just as delicious!
I love the sound of this recipe. I love Greek food, but I rarely make it myself!
well this is the perfect recipe to get you start making it more of it yourself!
I have eaten keftedes in Greece with tzatziki. So good. But I’ve never made them. I want to give this a try. I love the idea that you bake the meatballs!
yes baking them is a bit healthier and just as delicious
The yogurt makes it sound so refreshing! Must try
it is – a great balance to the hearty meatballs
I’m a big fan of mezze and greek food so these would be a hit in my house! Yum, thanks for sharing 🙂
your welcome – I am sue you would love them when you try it
The mint yogurt sauce sounds so good! I want to make this right away!
Do make it!!! and let me know how you like it!
What a great, simple recipe. I can see dish this becoming a weeknight favorite at our house! It’s quick, healthy and my kids love anything that comes in a meatball shape.
perfect – glad I could help with your family meal planning 🙂