Name: Meze Meatballs with Fresh Salad, Hummus, and Tzatziki in Pita 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

Tzatziki

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—you should get about 24. Cover and chill the meatballs for at least 30 minutes. They can be kept covered and chilled for up to 24 hours if preparing ahead.

Step 4: When ready to cook, pour the 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 them regularly to brown all sides and ensure they are cooked through.

Step 6: To serve, arrange the meatballs on a platter alongside a chopped salad made from cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Add bowls of hummus and tzatziki, and toast the pittas.

Step 7: Let everyone assemble their own meatball kebabs 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 beef mince for a milder flavor.

If you prefer a lighter option, bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 15-20 minutes instead of frying.

Serve with additional fresh herbs like mint or dill to enhance the freshness of the dish.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?

Yes, gluten-free breadcrumbs work well as a direct substitute and keep this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can the meatballs be frozen?

Absolutely. Shape the meatballs and freeze them uncooked on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, allowing extra time to ensure they are fully cooked.