Description
Mediterranean Meatball Magic blends succulent spiced meatballs with crisp golden fries and a zesty garden salad. Hunger calls for this delightful plate that promises a flavor-packed journey through Mediterranean culinary landscapes you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425F (220C), preparing a parchment-lined baking sheet for crispy potato preparation.
- Slice potatoes and thoroughly coat with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt, ensuring even seasoning coverage.
- Arrange potato slices in a single, uncrowded layer on the prepared baking sheet, maximizing potential crispiness.
- Roast potatoes for 25-30 minutes, rotating midway through cooking to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior.
- While fries are baking, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Gently blend meatball ingredients until just incorporated, avoiding over-mixing which can create dense texture.
- Form uniform meatballs approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, maintaining consistent size for even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, creating an ideal searing environment.
- Carefully place meatballs in the skillet, cooking 10-12 minutes and rotating periodically to achieve complete browning.
- Simultaneously prepare salad by combining mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese in a large bowl.
- Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create a light, tangy dressing.
- Drizzle dressing over salad ingredients and toss gently to ensure thorough, even coating.
- Arrange crispy fries, perfectly cooked meatballs, and fresh salad on serving plates.
- Optionally garnish with lemon wedges to provide an additional zesty flavor enhancement.
- Serve immediately to maintain optimal temperature and texture of all components.
Notes
- Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho for the crispiest fries with a fluffy interior.
- Gently mix meatball ingredients to prevent tough, dense texture and maintain a tender bite.
- Slice vegetables just before serving to maintain crispness and prevent wilting of greens.
- Replace beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for lighter protein alternatives that still deliver great flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 395 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 660 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg