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Mediterranean Meatball Rice

A delightful combination of hearty meatballs and fluffy rice, enhanced with zesty olives and creamy feta, this Mediterranean Meatball Rice recipe is bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground meat (beef and lamb, or turkey/chicken)
  • 1 cup long grain rice (basmati or jasmine)
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or mint, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare your meatballs by mixing the ground meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Roll into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
  2. Cook the meatballs in a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the rice in the same skillet, adding more olive oil if needed. Toss in the rice, coat with drippings, and add twice the amount of water (or broth). Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fluffy.
  4. Combine the cooked rice with sliced olives and crumbled feta, gently mixing. Top with the meatballs and garnish with fresh herbs.

Notes

Feel free to substitute the meat for lentil or chickpea patties for a vegetarian option, and adjust the spices according to your taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean, Meatballs, Rice, Comfort Food, Healthy Dinner