Meatballs Simmered With Leeks Keftedes Prassoselino Recipes

MEATBALLS SIMMERED WITH LEEKS (KEFTEDES PRASSOSELINO)

Steps:

• Make the Meatballs:.
• Combine all the meatball ingredients in a large bowl and knead well.
• Cover and refrigerate for an hour.
• When ready to cook them, shape into golf ball sized portions (around 30).
• Place a large, heavy skillet over medium heat.
• Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides; do this in batches (do not over-cook, they will cook further with the leeks).
• Remove meat to a plate and pour off all the accumulated fat in the skillet.
• Reduce heat to low, add 4 tablespoons of butter and scrape up any bits of fond.
• Add the leeks and celery and slowly saute, stirring occasionally for about 8 minutes.
• Season with salt, pepper and paprika.
• Add the meatballs and stir everything together.
• Add just enough water to come about two thirds of the way up the meatballs.
• Cover and simmer over very low heat for about an hour, checking occasionally to make sure there is sufficient liquid to prevent scorching.
• If you like (it does add amazing richness to the dish), swirl two tablespoons of butter in the pan, tipping it to distribute the butter throughout the meat and leeks.
• Remove from heat, rest briefly, and serve.

PRASSORIZO (GREEK LEEK RISOTTO)

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, saute the leeks and onion in the olive oil until softened, 4-5 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water and tomato paste and bring temperature down to simmer. Cover saucepan and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add rice and 5 cups hot liquid, bring to boil, cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in dill and lemon zest and juice. Remove from heat and allow to 'sit' for anywhere from 35=45 minutes before serving. The risotto will absorb extra liquid during this time, but remain creamy and hot.
• Serve with freshly-grated parmesan and cracked black pepper.

LEEK FRITTERS (PRASSOKEFTEDES)

Steps:

• Place the potatoes with enough water to cover by two inches, add a little salt and bring to a boil; then simmer until soft--about ten minutes, depending upon the size of your potato pieces.
• Drain and place in a large bowl.
• Place the leeks in a steamer over two inches of boiling water and cover and steam for about 10 minutes.
• Remove and allow to cool slightly.
• Preheat oven to 200°F.
• Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy; add the leeks and combine.
• Add in the eggs, bread crumbs, salt and pepper and the oregano and mix well.
• Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium high heat.
• Drop in about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each kefte and flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
• Fry in batches, about three minutes a side, until keftes are golden.
• Remove to paper towels on racks to drain and then keep warm in the oven.
• Serve warm.

GREEK MEATBALLS IN AVGOLEMONO SAUCE (KEFTEDES ME AVGOLEMONO)

Steps:

• Meatballs:.
• Apart from the flour and the vegetable oil, mix all the other ingredients together well.
• Make medium-size balls from the mixture.
• Roll the balls in flour and then deep fry them for approximately 15 minutes.
• Sauce:.
• In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil, then add the flour and stir well for 3 minutes.
• Add 1 litre water and mix well.
• Add the meatballs and simmer for 30 minutes, until the sauce is slightly thick.
• Beat the egg yolk thoroughly.
• Add the lemon juice to the egg and keep beating.
• Add 5-6 tablespoons of the sauce to the egg & lemon mixture and stir well.
• Add this mixture to the meatballs in the sauce, shake the pan and remove from the heat.
• Serve with a sprinkling of pepper and fresh mint on top.