Description
A delicious Greek Meatball recipe is an epic dinner that is served with whipped feta, lemon quinoa and pickled veggies!
Ingredients
Scale
Whipped Feta:
- 8oz feta cheese
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt
- 4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest, grated
- 1 teaspoon fresh mint leaves, minced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Lemon Garlic Quinoa:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 3/4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 cups quinoa
- 2–3 teaspoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
Greek Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup fine almond flour
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (do NOT add to the meatball mixture; for cooking only)
Instructions
- Make Whipped Feta: Add ingredients to food processor (crumble the feta so it whips more easily). Blend on high until the consistency is smooth. Taste and adjust any salt or other flavor, as necessary. Set aside.
- Make Lemon Garlic Quinoa: Bring a medium saucepan to medium-high heat. Add oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add garlic and move around the pan until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add water (or chicken broth), quinoa, lemon juice and salt. Stir to combine. Bring to boil then reduce to a simmer and cover. Let cook 12-15 minutes or until the water has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, 5-10 minutes. Add lemon zest, oregano and thyme. Stir to combine. Taste and add any additional lemon zest, salt or herbs – as desired. Set aside, off the heat.
- Make Meatballs: Put all of the meatball ingredients in a large bowl; mix to combine. Taking one tablespoon of lamb mixture at a time, create meatballs with your hand or a small cookie dough scoop. Place on a plate.
- Cook Meatballs: Bring a large cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Add approximately a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan; swirl to coat. Sear the meatballs on all sides. Turn heat down to medium/medium-low and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F (about 10-15 minutes).
- Build Bowls: Divide Lemon Garlic Quinoa, Whipped Feta and Greek meatballs between bowls. Garnish with some Quick Pickled Veggies, if you want!
Notes
- Baked Greek Meatballs: if you want to bake the meatballs simply place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake, middle rack, at 425 degrees F. for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Dairy-Free: feel free to use a dairy-free feta in the whipped feta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6oz
- Calories: 271
- Sugar: 2.3 g
- Sodium: 579 mg
- Fat: 19.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 7.2 g
- Fiber: 0.9 g
- Protein: 13.4 g
- Cholesterol: 63.8 mg