Greek Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki

Course: Lunch, Dinner

Ingredients:

For the Greek Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried mint

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 large egg, beaten

• Olive oil for cooking

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain rice

• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• Salt, to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• 1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Squeeze of lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with breadcrumbs, chopped red onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried mint, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.

3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper then shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the rice. In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

6. For the tzatziki sauce, in a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, finely chopped cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Mix well.

7. Serve the Greek meatballs over a bed of cooked rice and drizzle with tzatziki sauce.

8. Garnish with additional fresh dill and serve immediately.