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Cypriot Lamb Keftedes

Keftedes Me Arnisi Keima, Greek Lamb Meatballs, Cypriot Meatballs

Cyprus, Greece

Rated by 1 user
Recipe Snapshot

The essentials, at a glance

These traditional Cypriot meatballs are made with seasoned lamb and grated potato for a unique texture. They offer a rich, savoury flavour profile enhanced by aromatic herbs and warm spices. This dish is a staple of Mediterranean home cooking and is typically served as a hearty snack or main meal.

Mediterranean Dinner Lunch Snack
Dairy-FreeHigh-protein
Difficulty

Easy

Servings

4

Prep Time

40 minutes

Make Time

20 minutes

Calories

320 / serving

Diet

Non-Veg

Protein 22.0g
Fat 24.0g
Carbs 12.0g

Above values do not change with any serving size changes you make below

May not be suitable if you suffer with:
Acid Reflux
Lactose Intolerance
IBS
Indigestion
High Blood Pressure
Cook Along

Kitchen Game Plan

Follow each phase with a cleaner flow from ingredient prep to final plating.

Track cooking progress forCypriot Lamb Keftedes

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STEP 1

Saute the finely chopped onion in a small amount of oil until softened.

Ingredients

Servings: 4
500 g / 1.1 lb
5 g / 1 tsp
10 g / 2 tbsp finely chopped
5 g / 1 tsp
2 g / 1 tsp
15 g / 1 tbsp finely chopped
5 g / 1 tsp
20 g / 1 tbsp grated
250 g / 8.8 oz grated
150 g / 5.3 oz (3 large)
5 ml / 1 tsp
120 ml / 0.5 cup
Ingredients at a glance
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Instructions

Main
Step 1 instruction thumbnail 1

Saute the finely chopped onion in a small amount of oil until softened.

Step 2 instruction thumbnail 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lamb mince with the sauteed onion, salt, parsley, mint, cloves, baking powder, grated halloumi, grated potato, eggs, and lemon juice.

Step 3 instruction thumbnail 3

Knead the mixture thoroughly by hand until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 4 instruction thumbnail 4

Allow the meat mixture to rest for approximately 30 minutes to develop flavour.

Step 5 instruction thumbnail 5

Shape the mixture into small round balls.

Step 6 instruction thumbnail 6

Fry the meatballs in plenty of hot oil until golden brown and cooked through on all sides.

Other considerations for this recipe

White Sauce
Adding a half cup of white sauce to the mixture is optional; it is used to make the meatballs fluffier.
Texture Tip
For extra fluffiness, ensure the baking powder is fresh and well-mixed into the ingredients.

Nutritional Benefits

High protein content from lamb supports muscle maintenance.

Fresh parsley provides a source of vitamins K and C.

Garlic and onions offer mild antimicrobial properties.

Potatoes provide essential potassium and energy.

Nutritional information is provided as a general guide only. Values may vary and should not replace professional medical or dietary advice.

From the Blog All Contributions

The Secret to Fluffy Cypriot Lamb Keftedes

Cypriot Lamb Keftedes
Avghi Stephenson
Avghi Stephenson
11 Aug 2026

Grated potato serves as the essential binder in these traditional meatballs, creating a lighter and airier consistency than the bread-based versions found elsewhere. By mixing the lamb with fresh mint and a touch of clove, we achieve a fragrant balance that cuts through the richness of the meat. I always recommend letting the mixture rest for half an hour to allow the spices to fully penetrate the lamb before frying.

For those who prefer an extra-fluffy texture, adding a pinch of baking powder or a splash of white sauce works wonders. These golden bites are best enjoyed hot from the pan, served as part of a meze platter with a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the savoury flavours. It is a true taste of home that brings the warmth of a Cypriot kitchen to any table.

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Yumpedia: Cyprus, Greece

A Feast of History and Heritage

Cypriot Lamb Keftedes history
Read more in Yumpedia

The tradition of making keftedes is deeply rooted in the culinary heritage of Cyprus and Greece, reflecting the historical importance of sheep and goat farming in the region. While meatballs exist in many cultures, the Cypriot variation is distinguished by the addition of grated potato, which acts as a binder and provides a lighter, airier consistency compared to bread-based versions.

The use of lamb is central to the island's gastronomy, often paired with local herbs like mint and parsley to balance the richness of the meat. Spices such as cloves provide a subtle warmth, a nod to the historical trade routes that brought exotic aromatics through the Eastern Mediterranean.

Continue reading in Yumpedia

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