Greek Meat Pattiesbifetki Recipes

GREEK STYLE MEAT SAUCE {MAKARONIA ME KIMA}

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the onion until soft, add the garlic, followed by the cinnamon, allspice, ground cloves, and dried oregano. Cook to release the flavors.
• Fry until fully cooked and no pink shows at all in the meat (about 8 minutes). Add the tomato paste and stir into the meat.
• Stir in the wine and allow to cook down.
• Add the tomatoes, sugar, parsley, and fresh mint. Stir together, season with salt and pepper. Lower the heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and serve topped with the sauce.

GREEK MEAT PATTIES...(BIFETKI)

Steps:

• 1. Gather your spices. Chop and mince the onion. Set aside
• 2. Cover 2 slices of bread with water. Let set for 10 minutes With your hands squeeze all the water out that you can. Discard the crusts. Set this mass in a strainer to drip while you prepare the next step.
• 3. In a large bowl mix with your clean wet hands combine the meat, onions, spices, parsley, salt & pepper and the bread mixture. You can use bread of your choice. I used Dill Rye bread.
• 4. Now add the beaten egg. Again mix very well with your hands. Let this mixture set for 1/2 hour.
• 5. You can broil the patties, or cook on the outside grill, even fry gently.. Do not let them burn or burn!!!
• 6. Serve on a platter, with cut lemons, and a little fresh parsley. For a dinner I like yellow rice, fresh tomatoes and cooked spinach to round out the meal. Don't forget the ozo!! OPA! now enjoy!
• 7. Picture of The Greek Orthodox Church here in Spokane, WA.

TRADITIONAL GREEK TZATZIKI RECIPE

Steps:

• Shred the cucumber and if it is very watery drain it through the strainer. You can also leave it to drain for half hour or even over night in a fridge.
• Add minced garlic, chopped dill, yogurt, olive oil, vinegar and salt. Let the flavors merge for at least half hour.
• Serve it with grilled meats, veggies or as an appetizer with pita bread.

GREEK BEEF PATTIES (BIFTEKIA)

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine beef, egg, almond meal and seasonings.
• Mix well with hands to combine.
• Form mixture into patties using a ⅓ cup measuring scoop.
• Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Place beef patties on pan and cook five minutes on each side.
• While patties cook, melt butter in a separate pan. Add spinach and sauté five minutes.
• Serve patties over spinach.