Authentic, old-fashioned Greek meatballs recipe with spices and potatoes. Requires no deep frying, can be made even in an air fryer. These delicious Greek meatballs are well known in Cyprus and Turkey as well. They are quick to make on a weekday and go well with all sorts of sauces and dips.
One of my favorite dishes to prepare on a busy workday is meatballs. They are quick, simple, and always a hit with the children. What sets this version apart is the addition of shredded potatoes and carefully selected spices, which give them a distinctive flavor. If onions are not to your or your children’s liking, they can be omitted entirely or minced very finely – often using a food processor – so their presence is virtually undetectable.
As with many Greek recipes, this meatball preparation is far from the only version. Each family has its own unique approach: some incorporate cinnamon, which my family prefers to avoid, while others may deep – fry them in vegetable oil or adjust the quantity of potatoes to taste. Ultimately, it is all a matter of personal preference. I hope you enjoy this version as much as we do.
The perfect pairing: German Stuffed Mushrooms (Vegetarian) or European Roasted Baby Potatoes.
INGREDEINTS & SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Potatoes, finely grated
- Onion – red or white
- Egg, medium
- Breadcrumbs
- Ground meat – turkey/beef/lamb/pork or a mix of (some of these). I usually use beef/pork mix.
- Spices: mint, parsley, cumin powder, salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying (like sunflower or peanut oil)
- All purpose flour for rolling meatballs in
HOW TO MAKE GREEK MEATBALLS?
1st: Shred potatoes, squeeze the water as much as possible.
2nd: Then combine all ingredients, shape meatballs, roll in flour and cook as preferred.
NOTE: Personally, I rarely deep fry. Instead, I add a little vegetable oil in the pan, place meatballs in and then put a lid on for the duration of cooking. Shake the pan a few times to rotate the meatballs and cook them on all sides if you decide to go with my method.
Serve warm with desired sauce, salad or side. I highly recommend pairing these potatoes with simple tomato sauce or my Mediterranean Olive Zucchini Couscous salad recipe. Then you’ll have a truly Greek dinner on the table.
Recipe Tips
No deep frying: To avoid deep frying cover a non-stick pan with lid and let meatballs cook in their own sauce and some olive oil.
Crispier: Roll meatballs in flour to create a crispier outer layer. Squeeze the ‘potato water’ well before adding to the mix.
Air fryer: Cook in air fryer by placing an air fryer sheet on the bottom to avoid meatballs sticking to the basket.
Authentic Greek Meatballs Recipe
Equipment
- 1 frying pan
Ingredients
- 3 medium potatoes, finely grated
- 1 onion red
- 1 egg, medium
- 6-8 tbsp. breadcrumbs
- 400 g ground meat, turkey/beef/lamb/pork
Seasoning
- 1 tbsp. mint, dried
- 1 tbsp. parsley, dried or fresh
- 1 tsp. cumin powder
Cooking
- 4-6 tbsp. vegetable oil for frying, (like sunflower or peanut oil)
- 5-7 tbsp. all purpose flour for rolling meatballs in
Instructions
- First, wash potatoes under cold water and peel skin off. Then, grate each potato on a fine grater. Squeeze as much 'potato water' as possible.
- Next, in a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients and stir well. Then, with slightly wet hands start making oval-shaped meatballs and set aside.
- Roll each meatball in flour ( put the flour in a pot if easier) – on all sides.
- Cooking: Preheat non-stick frying pan and add vegetable oil. Place meatballs in the pan and cover with a lid (that makes meatballs softer and juicer at the end).
- Cook on medium heat. In about 5-10 minutes (or when ready), roll each meatball to cook on each side. Serve hot, with a sauce or a side of choice.
Notes
Nutrition
HOW TO MAKE GREEK MEATBALLS – VIDEO:
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