Greek Meatballs in Minted Rice Mold

Greek Meatballs in Minted Rice Mold Recipe - Authentic Greek Cuisine

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Greek Meatballs in Minted Rice Mold is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender lamb meatballs with a savory sauce and fragrant minted rice. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or gathering, as it is both impressive and easy to make.

History

Greek Meatballs, also known as Keftedes, have been a popular dish in Greek cuisine for centuries. Traditionally made with ground lamb or beef, these meatballs are seasoned with herbs and spices and often served with a tangy sauce. The addition of minted rice adds a unique twist to this classic dish, making it a standout recipe.

Ingredients

0.75 lb (340 g) lean ground lamb
3 slices white bread, crusts trimmed, broken into small pieces
0.5 cup finely chopped onion
3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
5 fresh mint leaves, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
0.25 tsp ground cumin
salt and ground black pepper
1 beaten egg
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups beef broth
3 cups hot cooked rice
1 tbsp snipped fresh mint leaves

Sauce

1 tbsp minced shallots or onion
0.5 tbsp butter or margarine
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 cup heated beef broth
0.25 cup minced dill pickle
salt and ground black pepper
0.25 cup chili sauce
1 tbsp white vinegar

How to prepare

In a large mixing bowl, combine lamb, bread, onion, parsley, mint, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, and egg; mix well.
Shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls and lightly dredge them in flour.
Heat the broth in a large skillet until it simmers, then add the meatballs.
Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, turning them after 25 minutes.
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the sauce.
Just before the meatballs are done, combine rice and mint.
Pack the rice mixture into a ring mold and unmold it onto a serving platter.
Remove the meatballs from the cooking liquid and place them in the center of the ring mold.
Spoon the sauce over the meatballs.

Sauce

In a medium skillet, sauté the shallots in butter over medium heat.
Stir in the flour, blending it well.
Gradually stir in the broth and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
Stir in the pickle, salt, pepper, chili sauce, and vinegar.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or turkey for the lamb.
Add chopped olives or feta cheese to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mix the meatball mixture well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

- Dredging the meatballs in flour before cooking helps to create a crispy exterior.

- Simmering the meatballs in broth helps to infuse them with flavor and keep them moist.

- Packing the rice mixture into a ring mold adds an elegant touch to the presentation of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Greek Meatballs in Minted Rice Mold with a side of Greek salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the meatballs in broth helps to keep them moist and infuse them with flavor.

- Dredging the meatballs in flour before cooking helps to create a crispy exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground beef or turkey instead of lamb.

- Substitute dried mint for fresh mint in the meatball mixture.

Make Ahead Tips

The meatballs can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

- The sauce can also be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Pack the rice mixture into individual molds for a more elegant presentation. - Garnish the dish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Greek Meatballs in Minted Rice Mold with a glass of red wine or a refreshing cucumber mint cooler.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Greek Meatballs in Minted Rice Mold contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Greek Meatballs in Minted Rice Mold contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Greek Meatballs in Minted Rice Mold contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Greek Meatballs in Minted Rice Mold contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (from the bread and flour) and eggs.

Summary

Greek Meatballs in Minted Rice Mold is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Greek Meatballs in Minted Rice Mold is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home. With its flavorful meatballs, savory sauce, and fragrant rice, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Greek Meatballs in Minted Rice Mold. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting the bustling food market in Athens with my dear friend Katerina. As we wandered through the vibrant stalls filled with fresh produce and aromatic spices, my eyes were drawn to a small stand where a kind elderly woman was selling her homemade dishes.

Katerina and I approached the stand, eager to sample the delicious-looking dishes on display. The woman greeted us with a warm smile and offered us a taste of her Greek Meatballs in Minted Rice Mold. As soon as I took a bite, I was hooked. The flavors of the tender meatballs, fragrant minted rice, and tangy tzatziki sauce danced on my palate, leaving me craving more.

I turned to Katerina, my eyes wide with excitement, and asked the woman for the recipe. She chuckled and replied, "Ah, my dear, this recipe has been passed down through generations in my family. I would be happy to share it with you, but only if you promise to cherish and respect it."

I eagerly agreed, and the woman handed me a weathered piece of parchment with the handwritten recipe for Greek Meatballs in Minted Rice Mold. I thanked her profusely and promised to honor her family's culinary tradition. As Katerina and I made our way back to our apartment, I couldn't wait to try my hand at recreating the delicious dish.

Once we arrived home, I wasted no time in gathering the necessary ingredients and getting to work in the kitchen. I carefully followed the instructions on the recipe, mixing ground lamb with herbs and spices to form the meatballs, and cooking the rice with fresh mint and lemon zest to create the flavorful mold.

As the dish cooked and the aroma of savory meatballs and minted rice filled the kitchen, I couldn't help but think back to the kind woman at the market who had shared her family recipe with me. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for her generosity and was determined to do justice to the dish she had entrusted me with.

Finally, after hours of preparation, the Greek Meatballs in Minted Rice Mold were ready to be served. I carefully unmolded the rice onto a platter and arranged the meatballs around it, garnishing the dish with a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Katerina and I sat down at the table, our mouths watering in anticipation. As we each took a bite of the dish, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The flavors were just as I remembered from that warm summer day in Athens – rich, savory, and delightfully fresh.

Katerina praised my culinary skills and marveled at how closely my version of the dish resembled the one we had tried at the market. I beamed with pride, knowing that I had successfully recreated a beloved family recipe with care and respect.

From that day on, Greek Meatballs in Minted Rice Mold became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that had been so graciously given to me by the kind woman at the market.

As I sit here now, many years later, preparing the dish once again for a family gathering, I can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the culinary journey that brought me to this moment. The recipe for Greek Meatballs in Minted Rice Mold may have come from a stranger in a bustling market, but it has since become a cherished part of my own culinary heritage – a reminder of the power of food to connect us across generations and cultures.