Mediterranean Meatballs with Creamy Herbed Tzatziki
Juicy Mediterranean-spiced meatballs paired with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Serve with warm pita for a satisfying and flavorful meal inspired by the flavors of Greece.
Equipment
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef or a mix
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking
Tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber grated and squeezed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- salt and pepper to taste
Optional for Serving:
- pita bread or flatbread warmed
- extra olive oil and parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until just combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches for 4–5 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked (internal temperature 160°F/71°C). Set aside.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill until ready to serve.
- Step 4: Serve meatballs with herbed tzatziki, warm pita or flatbread, and garnish with olive oil and fresh parsley.
Notes:
- You can prep the tzatziki a day ahead for deeper flavor. For extra fiber, swap breadcrumbs with almond meal or oat flour. Leftover meatballs are great in wraps or on salads!
Nutrition
Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 27gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 360mgPotassium: 460mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 680IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 3mg
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