Rolled in Greece

 

I've never been to Greece, but if I have a chance, it's on my list of places to visit.  It's beautiful ocean views and hillside homes are sublime.  The people are lively, friendly, and love food.  And I love their food.  And when I have an opportunity to bring a bit of Greece back to my house, I do-in the form of Daphne's Greek Café or my own cooking that is.

 

 

 

 

I decided to do some bite-sized bits of Greece today.  These are flavorful ground chicken meatballs stuffed with sweet plump raisins, salty kalamata olives and savory feta cheese.  All dipped in a garlic yogurt mint sauce.  Can we say yum?!  And these are clean eating, gluten free and good for you food!  These can be made as an appetizer or main dish.  Last night we had these on top of a big crisp Greek salad.  These may just have to be an appetizer at my next dinner party, with pita bread and yogurt sauce for dipping.  And I was lucky enough to save a serving of these babies for lunch today.

 

Greek Chicken Meatballs

 

1.25 pounds ground chicken

1/3 cup feta cheese

10 kalamata olives, chopped

1/3 cup raisins, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tb mint, chopped

1Tb oregano
1/2 Tb Greek seasoning

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 egg

2 Tb canola oil for cooking 

 

Mix all ingredients except canola oil in bowl, gently until well combined.  Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat.  Carefully form meat mixture into rounded tablespoons and drop onto hot oiled skillet.  The meat mixture will be very soft, as I did not use bread crumbs (remember, gluten free). Brown meatballs on one side, about 8 minutes.  Carefully flip each meatball over.  Reduce heat to medium, cover and cook through until done and no longer pink in center, about 5-8 minutes more.

 

Yogurt Dipping Sauce

 

1/2 cup Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt

1/4 cup mint, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

vinaigrette of choice for thinning, optional

 

Mix first 3 ingredients.  Thin to desired consistency with vinaigrette of choice (I used a combo of red vinegar, olive oil, and Greek spices).

 

Use as dipping sauce for meatballs, spread for pitas, or salad dressing.  This sauce is very forgiving.

 

Serve in a big bowl on the table for the family.

 

Or make a finicky shark spread.  Yes, my boys loved the meatballs and pitas!

 

Or pile your own salad plate as you desire.

 

I love these on skewers!  Okay, when is lunch???

 

You may also enjoy

Baked Falafels