Keftethes (Greek meatballs)
Keftethes are Greek lamb meatballs flavoured with fresh mint, oregano, garlic and onion. The Thermomix TM7 chops the aromatics in seconds and mixes the mince evenly, giving tender, aromatic meatballs with a golden crust. Ideal as a main course or mezze, served with tzatziki and warm pita bread for an authentic Mediterranean family meal.
About this recipe
Keftethes Thermomix TM7 brings classic Greek meatballs to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavour. These lamb meatballs, perfumed with fresh mint, dried oregano and garlic, are a beloved staple of Greek family cooking, equally at home as a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a generous mezze spread with tzatziki and warm bread. Searching for recipes for your all-in-one kitchen machine pays off here: the TM7 chops the onion, garlic and mint to a uniform fineness in seconds, something that takes ten minutes or more by hand and often brings tears to your eyes. The machine then blends the seasoned lamb mince with breadcrumbs into an even, bindable mixture, so every meatball has the same tender bite and herbal aroma. Whether you are cooking for children who love finger food or hosting friends for a Mediterranean evening, these keftethes deliver restaurant-quality results with the consistency only a Thermomix can guarantee.
Preparation tips
- For extra tender keftethes, chill the lamb mixture in the fridge for half an hour before rolling. This firms the fat and breadcrumbs so the meatballs hold their shape beautifully during frying and develop a deeper golden crust.
- Serve the keftethes with a simple tzatziki made from Greek yogurt, cucumber and a little extra fresh mint. Warm pita bread and a squeeze of lemon complete the authentic Greek experience for family or guests.
- If fresh mint is unavailable, substitute fresh parsley or dill for a different but equally Greek flavour. Children usually prefer smaller meatballs, so halve the size and serve them as party snacks with a mild yogurt dip.
Recipe variations
- Make a gluten-free version by replacing the breadcrumbs and plain flour with gluten-free panko and rice flour. The lamb, mint and oregano flavours stay identical, and the meatballs fry up just as golden and crispy for coeliac guests.
- For a festive mezze variation, shape the lamb mixture into small bitesized meatballs and serve them on skewers with lemon wedges, grilled peppers and a mint yogurt dip, perfect for a Greek-themed drinks party.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Quick chopping - The TM7 chops onion, garlic and mint to a uniform fineness in seconds, releasing their aromas into the lamb mixture. [Chopping]
- Weighing accuracy - The integrated scale of the Thermomix weighs breadcrumbs and flour directly in the bowl for consistent binding. [Weighing]
- Even mixing - The Thermomix blends the seasoned lamb mince into a homogeneous mixture so every meatball stays tender. [Mixing]
- Grating option - Grate extra onion or cheese with the TM7 to fold into the keftethes mixture for a juicier bite. [Grating]
- Gentle steaming - Steam the shaped meatballs in the Varoma of the Thermomix for a lighter, oil-free version with a succulent core. [Steaming]
Ingredients
- brown onion
- garlic clove
- fresh mint
- olive oil
- lamb mince
- salt
- ground black pepper
- breadcrumbs
- dried oregano
- plain flour