Greek Meatballs and Goodbye to July
This time of the summer always makes me sad, if only momentarily, until I remember the adventures that August holds. But there’s no denying it: Summer is, albeit slowly, on its way out. It’s already darker when I get up to go to my 6:00am boot camp and the sun is setting earlier on our evening picnics. And today, we’ll say goodbye to July.
What do Greek Meatballs have to do with July? Funny you should ask. I was assigned to the host committee for our office’s July birthday party. It may sound silly, but the monthly birthday host committees are one of the most serious roles in our office. You have to come up with a theme! Believe it or not, I’m even worse at coming up with themes than I am blog post titles (anyone remember that polka dot party I threw in college? I bet the six people who came do. Especially the three that came without polka dots, to whom I took a Sharpie to their face). I digress. Anyways, we went with a Greek theme.
Yes, I even take pictures of my food at office parties. No shame in my game. Greek salad, spanokopita, pita chips and hummus, Greek meatballs with tzatziki and baklava (not pictured). And they even let us dress them up to match the theme. My coworkers are good sports. One of the many things I love about this office.
Anyways, back to the meatballs. I found these to be very full of flavor. Perhaps in part because I’m just not used to full-fat beef. But they were also packed with garlic, feta and spices (I presume this is what distinguishes them as Greek?) The cinnamon and clove bring a certain sweetness that goes nicely with the sharpness of the feta.
We also enjoyed these later in the week as burgers. Seen above, Courtney’s in a delicious bun grilled in beef fat and my healthier version as a lettuce wrap. Go with the former.
Greek Meatballs (or Burgers!)
Adapted from Little Leopard Book
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 1/2 can diced tomato (drain the liquid)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp allspice
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup feta cheese
- ¼ cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free, if desired)
- 1 egg
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- If making meat balls, form into ~ 1 oz balls. Cook on a parchment-lined baking sheet for at 375 degrees fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, turning once at the half way point.
- If making burgers, form into six patties. Grill or pan fry.
Serve with tzatziki sauce.
Serves 6: Six hamburger patties or 30 meatballs
