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Keftedakia (mint and ouzo flavored meatballs)
2 slices home-made style bread, trimmed of
crust and torn into small pieces
1/4 cup ouzo (or substitute another anise flavored liqueur)
7 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
1 egg |
1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh mint leaves,
or 1 tsp. dried mint leaves
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup flour |
Soak the bread in the ouzo for at least 5 minutes. Heat
3 Tbsp. of the olive oil in a skillet over moderate heat, add the onions,
and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are soft but not
brown. Remove the onions with a slotted spoon, placing them in a large
mixing bowl. Squeeze the bread dry (discard the ouzo) and add the bread
to the onions. Also add the ground beef, egg, mint, garlic, oregano, salt,
pepper, and knead vigorously with your hands, then beat with a wooden spoon
until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Shape the beef mixture into balls
about the size of walnuts (you may find that wetting your hands with water
helps prevent sticking) and then roll the meatballs in the flour to coat
evenly. Place the meatballs on a cookie sheet and refrigerate for at least
one hour.
Add the remaining 4 Tbsp. of olive oil to a large skillet
and brown the meatballs, 7 or 8 at a time, over high heat, cooking 8 to
10 minutes and shaking the pan from time to time. As each batch is done,
remove them with a slotted spoon and place on an ovenproof serving platter.
Keep them warm in a 200° F. (100° C) oven while you finish cooking
the rest.
Serves 4 to 6 as an appetizer or first course (about
30 meatballs).

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