Chef Wanabe » Greek Meatballs and Pita

Jan232010

Greek Meatballs and Pita

Filed under Meat, World Food by Anna at 1:34 PM on Jan 23 2010

The ups and downs of living like a nomad! I have being changing locations for the passed decades, way more than I envisioned for myself, but somehow life kept making these changes on me. First time was when I decided that my city in the countryside of Sao Paulo, Brazil, was too small for me. I was just 21 and decided to make this bold move against best advise from my family. It was scary in the beginning but when you are 21 you are kind fearless. So I managed to live there for 10 years. I became a big city girl. I became an artist (so I thoughtI did) I fell in love, I got married, I fell out of love, got a divorce all in 10 years.

And in the face of starting over. I had the brilliant idea of moving to Australia to study Hotel Management. (Mind you, I didn’t speak a word in English) but as turned out, at 31 I was still fearless. So I went down under, learned English, spent 6 months studying hotel management, just to find out it wasn’t my thing. Changed to Graphic Design, fell in love, got my husband number 2 (that’s how I call him). He is my number 2 and favorite husband. LOL. After 3 years living in Sydney for some reason we moved to Manhattan NY, and there surrounded by the best restaurants and chefs I fell in love with cooking, became a blogger, got to my 41 feeling a bit over the top, not so fearless turns out, but still fearless enough to decide to move cross country. Why am I telling you my entire saga? I don’t know? Maybe because I need answers, am I crazy? Because all the time when I’m getting used to a new place, making friends, and making connections I decide to go as far as I can. Am I just avoiding connections? Why? Turns out now I’m here at beautiful California, sunny city, pleasant people, new places to adventure, new friends to make. And hopefully that’s where we will stay. At least for 10 years anyway. LOL

Greek Meatballs and Pita

500g lamb mince
3 anchovy fillets, chopped
40g fresh breadcrumbs
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon, plus a squeeze of lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, crushed
3 tbsp chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 red onion, finely sliced
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
200ml Greek yogurt
1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
4 pita breads, toasted

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan160°C/gas 4. In a large bowl, put the lamb, anchovies, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, half the garlic, and half the chopped parsley, and mix well together using your hands.

Season well, then shape into 20 balls. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the meatballs, in batches, and cook for 2-3 minutes, turning, until browned all over. Transfer to a roasting tin and roast for a further 10 minutes.

Soften the onion by soaking in a bowl of boiling water for a few minutes, then drain and refresh under cold water. In a bowl, mix with the olive oil, lemon juice and remaining parsley.

In a bowl, mix the yogurt with the remaining garlic and mint and season to taste. Serve the meatballs and red onions in toasted pitas and accompany with the mint dressing.

25 Responses to “Greek Meatballs and Pita”

1 Divinaon 23 Jan 2010 at 4:33 PM

Speaking of being fearless, I was like that when I was 21. I find it odd that I become more fearful as I become older. It should be the other way around for me. You’re a very brave and confident woman and moving and living in California is a bold move. Love the Greek meatballs. I’m having a hard time finding lamb, so I might use beef instead.
Divina´s last blog ..Ten in 10 Challenge: Week Four
2 Annaon 23 Jan 2010 at 5:32 PM

Thanks Divina, I guess beef would work too.
3 popculture cookingon 24 Jan 2010 at 9:59 AM

I loved that “entire saga”. AND I love your blog! I have also lived here and there and carry my curiosity and enthusiasm for food with me wherever I go. Life is good!
4 Annaon 24 Jan 2010 at 11:24 AM

Thanks Pop, I loved your blog too, especially the wedding cake dress.
5 Sophieon 24 Jan 2010 at 12:24 PM

What georgous lamb meat balls, Anna!

I just made meat balls too! I so love that yoghurt & herb sauce to go with the balls & the pita!!

Georgous!! MMMMM,….
Sophie´s last blog ..Pork & veal meatballs with white wine, parsley, lemon, lemon zest & bay leaves
6 Ildieon 24 Jan 2010 at 4:16 PM

This dish looks incredible. You take beautiful photographs! GOOD LUCK with your scale wars. Wishing you all the best!!
7 MaryMohon 25 Jan 2010 at 1:24 AM

I have to try this. Looks very delicious. My children love lamb. They’re going to like this. Thanks for sharing.
MaryMoh´s last blog ..Zucchini Slice
8 Ericaon 25 Jan 2010 at 10:11 AM

I love reading about your life, Anna! I left my country 10 years ago too, so I understand Those pictures are beautiful!!!
9 Julianaon 25 Jan 2010 at 10:53 AM

Anna, the meatballs look so delicious…love the way you top with…yogurt sauce and the red onions…yummie!
It was nice reading your post and learn more about you Hope you stay long enough in LA are, I move to LA from SP and do not see myself living in other place
Juliana´s last blog ..BAKED PANELA CHEESE
10 Annaon 25 Jan 2010 at 3:24 PM

Thanks ildie, that’s so sweet.
11 Annaon 25 Jan 2010 at 3:25 PM

Thanks mary,
12 Annaon 25 Jan 2010 at 4:14 PM

Thanks juliana, it looks like I will be around for while. I like here a lot, it’s beautiful.
13 Jen @ My Kitchen Addictionon 25 Jan 2010 at 7:58 PM

Yum… Looks like a wonderful lunch!
Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction´s last blog ..Spicy Cocoa Roasted Almonds
14 Natasha - 5 Star Foodieon 25 Jan 2010 at 8:49 PM

I love these Greek-style meatballs, so delicious with the pitas!
Natasha – 5 Star Foodie´s last blog ..Pio Quinto: Nicaraguan Rum Cake
15 Kimon 26 Jan 2010 at 11:25 AM

Oh Anna, you’re doing me in with this one. I just ate a plain roast beef sandwich with Dijon- boring. I needed these meatballs!!! They look fantastic. It’s been too long since I’ve cooked Greek food. Once I start, I can hardly stop- it’s so flavorful.

I cannot believe your saga. You are quite the adventurer. I have a feeling hub no. 2 loves the adventure just as much as you do. Good for you both.
Kim ´s last blog ..(( Did I Forget to Mention There’s an Intermission? ))
16 Annaon 26 Jan 2010 at 11:50 AM

Thanks Jen, loved the cocoa almonds. ;-D
17 Annaon 26 Jan 2010 at 11:50 AM

Thanks Natasha, your rum cake looks delicious.
18 Annaon 26 Jan 2010 at 11:55 AM

Hi Kim, Always a pleasure to have you here. Yes… my hubby is an adventurer he moved more than me, he lived in Thailand, India, Studied in England and Australia. I definitely fond my other half. Awwwwwww… That’s romantic right?
19 lululuon 27 Jan 2010 at 6:38 AM

what a life journey you have, anna! there might be ups and downs, and it always feel special when looking back after sometime.
your meatball dish looks awesome. great pictures and i bet great taste too!
20 Annaon 27 Jan 2010 at 8:37 AM

Thanks Lulu, yes I have wonderful memories specially from my time in Sydney.
21 Lorion 28 Jan 2010 at 5:40 AM

I think you should be so proud of deciding what you wanted and moving toward it. Some of our friends in Brazil would constantly say they wanted to leave, but I doubt they would ever have the courage to do it, so good for you!

Honestly, I tend to be the same way. I think it is why I like to travel so much. I get to experience new things when I can’t actually make a move. I find I get bored with a place after a few years, but maybe it is because I haven’t found the right one for me yet. As much as I love being back in the States, I’m beginning to really miss ex-pat life.

Love this recipe. I’m bookmarking it. Greek food especially lamb like this is one of our favorites and I need to start making it at home.
Lori´s last blog ..Local Eats in Louisville
22 Annaon 28 Jan 2010 at 12:33 PM

Lori, If you ever get bored over there come to California, it would be great to have you here.
23 Patricia Scarpinon 29 Jan 2010 at 4:57 AM

May I just say I deeply admire fearless people like you?? You go, girl!

These meatballs would make my hubby really happy.

Um beijo!
Patricia Scarpin´s last blog ..Lemon coconut mini cheesecakes
24 Debi(Table Talk)on 30 Jan 2010 at 4:49 AM

They say meatballs are one of the “it” dishes of the year. Love the Greek flavors here; they sound delicious!
25 Annaon 30 Jan 2010 at 9:35 AM

Thanks Debi.