Mediterranean Meatballs and Pilaf

Grilled Meatballs and Rice Pilaf

Directions for Meatballs

  1. Grate the onion on the fine edge of a grater

  2. Scoop the shaved onion and squeeze out as much juice as you can and the onion to a mixing bowl

  3. Add the egg, beef, lamb, breadcrumbs, and all the listed seasonings into the mixing bowl

  4. Knead all the ingredients together until well combined

  5. Roll and flatten the meat mixture into palm-sized patties

  6. Grill or pan-fry

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. 90/10 ground beef

  • ½ lb. ground lamb

  • 1 egg

  • 1 cup of medium grain rice

  • 2 tbsp. of orzo pasta

  • 2 cups water

  • 2 tbsp. of butter

  • 1 tbsp. olive oil

  • 1 small white onion (or 2 tablespoons of ground onion)

  • ¼ cup unseasoned bread crumbs

  • ½ teaspoon of baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon of cumin

  • ½ teaspoon of paprika

  • ½ teaspoon of garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon of salt and pepper

  • 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley

  • 1 tablespoon of chopped oregano

Directions for Rice Pilaf

  1. In a medium saucepan melt the butter and add 1 tbsp. of olive oil to prevent the butter from burning

  2. Add the orzo and begin stirring until they are toasted to a brown color

  3. Add the orzo and stir it in the oil and butter until browned. Add uncooked rice to the pan with the orzo and stir until the rice is translucent

  4. Add the water and bring to a boil, then turn heat to low and place a lid on the pan. Simmer until the water is absorbed.

  5. Turn off the heat and let the rice steam for another 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe