| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins – 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 565 | 33g | 12g | 31g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 4g | 34g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Greek Keftethes with Tomato Sauce
Every now and then I stumble across a recipe that combines my love for hearty, nourishing food with a distinct flavor profile that delights the palate, and this Greek recipe of Keftethes with Tomato Sauce fits perfectly. The delectable combination of aromatic herbs, ground beef, and piquant tomato sauce, is nothing short of a culinary triumph.
What Makes Kefthethes Special?
Keftethes, a prominent dish in Greek cuisine, is traditionally made with ground meat, often beef or lamb, mixed with herbs that bring vibrancy to the dish. It’s a versatile treat, served as a hearty main course or as a finger food at parties. The fresh aroma of parsley, unique kick of fresh mint, and the comforting familiar recommendations of garlic and onion, when paired with the subtle hint of exotic spices like cinnamon and cumin, create an appetizing blend of flavors that is hard to resist.
The Inspiration Behind this Recipe
A huge influence for me in this Greek venture was celebrity chef and Mediterranean cuisine specialist, Cat Cora. Her modern interpretation of traditional Greek recipes has both inspired and challenged me to create something spectacular. Keftethes with Tomato Sauce is a dish that, while may not be a traditional feature in Colorado cuisine, pays great homage to my deep appreciation for foreign flavors.
This rich and aromatic delicacy is not dissimilar to the Italian meatball or the Swedish Köttbullar, in case you’re drawing blanks. The joyful mingling of a rich meatball-like kefte with a sauce exuding fresh tomatoes, a touch of wine, and herbs create a harmony of savory delight. This recipe would pair exceptionally well with a light Greek salad or a side of pillowy flatbread, perfect for soaking up the extra tomato sauce.
Keftethes with Tomato Sauce is truly a tribute to world cuisine and my continued culinary exploration. The entrancing aroma, the satisfying textures, and the unforgettable flavors make this dish one that comforts the soul all year round. Whether it’s huddled by the fire on a cold Colorado night or enjoyed under the starlit sky during a tranquil summer evening, this recipe always brings a taste of Greece to my wonderful Rocky Mountain home.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of fresh breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh mint, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 cans of crushed tomatoes (28 ounces each)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 cup of red wine
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra chopped parsley and mint for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by combining the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh breadcrumbs, finely chopped parsley and mint, large eggs, ground cinnamon and cumin, and salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl. Mix these ingredients together until they are well incorporated.
Step Two
Shape the mixture into small, round meatballs. Each one should be about the size of a golf ball.
Step Three
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil is heating, roll each meatball in the all-purpose flour, ensuring it is covered completely.
Step Four
Carefully place the meatballs into the hot oil, and brown them on all sides. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Once they are browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
Step Five
In the same skillet, add the crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, red wine, and chopped basil. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Six
Add the browned meatballs back into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for around 30 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Step Seven
Before serving, garnish the Keftethes with extra chopped parsley and mint. Enjoy this flavorful dish with some steamed rice or warm bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
