Name: Meze Meatballs with Fresh Salad, Hummus, and Tzatziki Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 100g breadcrumbs; 50ml milk; 400g beef or lamb mince; 1 egg; 2 tsp dried oregano; Small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped; 1 onion, coarsely grated; 2 garlic cloves, finely grated; 2 tbsp plain flour; 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ cucumber, chopped into chunks; 12 cherry tomatoes, quartered; 1 red onion, finely sliced; Hummus; Tzatziki; 4 pittas

Ingredients

100g breadcrumbs

50ml milk

400g beef or lamb mince

1 egg

2 tsp dried oregano

Small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

1 onion, coarsely grated

2 garlic cloves, finely grated

2 tbsp plain flour

2 tbsp olive oil

½ cucumber, chopped into chunks

12 cherry tomatoes, quartered

1 red onion, finely sliced

Hummus, to serve

Tzatziki, to serve

4 pittas

Instructions

Step 1: Put the breadcrumbs in a bowl and add the milk. Leave for 5 minutes, or until the milk has been absorbed.

Step 2: Add the beef or lamb mince, egg, dried oregano, chopped parsley, grated onion, and grated garlic to the breadcrumb mixture. Season well with salt and pepper, then mix everything thoroughly with your hands.

Step 3: Shape the mixture into meatballs slightly larger than cherry tomatoes, aiming for about 24 meatballs. Cover and chill them for at least 30 minutes. They can be kept covered and chilled for up to 24 hours.

Step 4: When ready to cook, pour the plain flour into a shallow bowl. Roll each meatball in the flour to coat evenly.

Step 5: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry the meatballs for 10–12 minutes, turning frequently to brown all sides and cook through.

Step 6: To serve, arrange the cooked meatballs on a platter. Combine the cucumber chunks, quartered cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion for a fresh salad. Serve with bowls of hummus and tzatziki, and toast the pittas.

Step 7: Let everyone assemble their own meatball kebab by stuffing the meatballs, salad, and dips into the warm pittas.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground cumin or smoked paprika to the meat mixture.

Use lamb mince for a richer taste or combine half beef and half lamb for balance.

Serve with grilled vegetables or a sprinkling of crumbled feta cheese for more variety.

For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and serve with gluten-free pittas or wraps.

FAQs

Can I use other meats instead of beef or lamb?

Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be used, though the flavor will be milder. Adjust seasoning to enhance the taste accordingly.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

Fry them until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. You can cut one open to check there is no pink inside, or use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).