Keftede Bites With Advocado & Cherry Tomatoes
Yield: 3 servings that will disappear quickly;
Time Estimate: 15 minutes overall, including 8 minutes of preparation;
Storage Notes: serve immediately or make the day of your dinner party - these are just a good chilled;
Difficulty: easy;
"Keftede" is Greek for meatball and these little guys bring together classic Mediterranean flavors alongside the more modern accent of avocado. We recommend making these bite-size: they're prefect finger food at a dinner party and will make you a hit at a pot luck. This recipe is for 3 people - just multiply everything to serve more lucky guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 Lb ground beef (we prefer a 80/20 grind)
- 1 avocado
- 5 cherry tomatoes
- 2 Tablespoons Gustus Vitae "Taste of Greece"
- 1 Tablespoon Gustus Vitae "Taste of Provence"
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
Method:
- In a large bowl, mix beef & Taste of Greece. When thoroughly blended, begin forming the balls, which should be a little smaller than golf balls (or even smaller if you prefer). Roll them in your hands and then reserve, keeping them from touching on a sheet of wax paper or a plate.
- Cut avocado in half, discard pit, gently scoop out the flesh, and cut into cubes a little under the size of a quarter. Slice the cherry tomatoes as thinly as you can - a mandolin or sushi knife are best suited for this job.
- Put a pan on high heat and add oil. After around 2 minutes or just before it begins to smoke add as many meat balls as you can without having them touch. Cook for around 2 minutes on the first side, then begin moving them around for an even browning. When you start to see small black flecks, remove and dry on a paper towel. Generally two batches should do it.
- Plate keftedes, arranging avocados and cherry tomatoes on top. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil, and sprinkle on Taste of Provence.
- Serve immediately or cover for dinnertime later.