Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki and Orzo with Feta and Walnuts

Rachael Ray

Show: 30 Minute MealsEpisode: Holiday Help

Rated 5 stars out of 5
  • Rate This Recipe
  • Read 4 Reviews
Total Time:
30 min
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Yield:
4 servings
Level:
Easy
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Use the dip and meatballs when you have holiday parties as easy snacks or, combine with orzo to serve as a delicious dinner. The meatballs freeze well.

Ingredients

  • 2 slices white bread, 1-inch thick
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk, to moisten
  • 1/2 seedless cucumber
  • Kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons EVOO
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground lamb or beef
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint
  • 3 tablespoons grated red onion
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano
  • 2 pinches cinnamon
  • 3 cloves garlic, grated or pasted
  • 1 large egg
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 4 pocket-less pitas or flat breads, cut into wedges
  • 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Orzo with Feta and Walnuts, recipe follows

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place a cooling rack over 2 baking sheets for roasting the meatballs and toasting the pita.

Soak the bread in the milk. Peel the cucumber and grate into a strainer. Salt it and let it drain for 20 minutes.

Pour the EVOO into a bowl, then add the meat and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Squeeze out the bread and crumble between your fingers as you add it to the meat. Add the mint, onions, oregano, cinnamon, 2 of the garlic cloves, egg and 1/2 of the lemon juice, and mix to combine.

Using a small ice cream scoop, form the meat mixture into about 24 balls and place on the baking sheet. Roast to golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the oven and place the broiler on high. Char the pita under the broiler, 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side.

Press the cucumber in the strainer to get out the excess water and add to a food processor. Then add the yogurt, dill, remaining 1 clove garlic, zest and remaining juice of the lemon. Season the sauce with cumin and salt and process until smooth.

Serve the meatballs with the sauce and pitas and alongside the Orzo with Feta and Walnuts.

Orzo with Feta and Walnuts:

  • Kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup finely chopped flat leaf parsley
  • 1/2 pound Greek feta cheese, crumbled
  • EVOO, for drizzling
  • Freshly ground pepper

Heat a medium pot of water to a boil. Salt the water and cook the orzo to al dente, 7 minutes. Toast the walnuts until fragrant in small pan over medium heat. Combine the orzo with the walnuts, parsley, feta and a drizzle of EVOO and season with pepper.

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Newest Ratings and Reviews

Read all 4 reviews

  • on February 14, 2012

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    This was a very tasty meal! The flavors paired up super nice! I will definately make again and again.

    people found this review Helpful.
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  • on December 17, 2011

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    I think this is a tasty Greek meal. I added Allspice to the meatballs which gave it a little Lebanese flare. Also, I added some lemon juice to the orzo which gave it a kick. Wonderful, easy recipe. Thanks Rachael!

    people found this review Helpful.
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  • on December 06, 2011

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    The meatballs are simply amazing! The flavors come together so well and totally brighten up a normal weekday meal. My husband kept repeating "Wow!" They were so EASY to make too! I highly recommend using lamb instead of beef to keep to the right flavor profile. The orzo pasta with feta and walnuts was great too! Don't skip the step of toasting the walnuts.The meatballs definitely reheat well and the orzo is great cold for lunch the next day. Oh and don't forget the tzatziki-it complimented the meatballs so well. Just make sure the cucumber is well-drained to avoid watery tzatziki! You could definitely make mini versions of these meatballs and set them out with toothpicks and the tzatziki at your next party!

    people found this review Helpful.
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