Cretan Lamb and Eggplant Stew (Κρητικό Κεφτέδι με Αρνί και Μελιτζάνες)
Κεφτέδι (keftedakia) is a traditional Cretan dish that is typically made with ground meat, herbs, and spices. In this recipe, we will be making a delicious Κρητικό Κεφτέδι (Cretan meatball) stew with lamb and eggplants, a classic combination in Cretan cuisine.
Ingredients
- 500g ground lamb
- 2 eggplants, cubed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, breadcrumbs, parsley, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form the mixture into small meatballs.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the diced tomatoes and broth to the pot. Stir to combine, then return the meatballs to the pot.
- Add the cubed eggplants to the pot and gently stir to combine with the meatballs and sauce.
- Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the eggplants are tender.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the Cretan lamb and eggplant stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking & Preparation
- Preparation time:
- 20 minutes
- Cooking time:
- 1 hour
- Total time:
- 1 hour
- Cooking method
- Stovetop
Nutritional facts per 1 serving
- Calories
- 350 per serving
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 15g
- Fat
- 20g
Supplies
Large bowl Large pot Wooden spoon Knife Cutting board
Tools
Stovetop
Serving suggestions
Serving suggestions: Serve the Cretan lamb and eggplant stew with crusty bread or over cooked grains like rice or quinoa.
Tips & tricks
Tips: For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the stew while it simmers.
Cost
$15