Greek Night

I love Greek Food. My Mom is Lebanese, so we ate a lot of Mediterranean food in my house growing up. Greeks use some unique flavors that compliment their food.  A lot of mint, lemon and olive oil is used. Well, those just happen to be some of the best flavors in the world so Greek food is a favorite of mine. I have to tell you, this meal was absolutely amazing. If you know someone that is a little gun shy of trying new and  "weird flavors" such as olives and feta cheese, this is a good way to break them in. You don't have to have an experienced palate in order to love this meal. But at the same, time it has those good old flavor highlights that traditional Mediterranean lovers enjoy. 

Here's what we're making:

Orzo salad with tomatoes, feta cheese and kalamata olives

Turkey Florentine meatballs

My mouth is already watering...

Did I mention that this is super healthy too?

Without further delay, let's begin

Orzo Salad:

1 cup of Whole Wheat Orzo Pasta

1/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese

1 small red onion, chopped

1 cucumber, peeled and diced

1 large tomato or two small tomatoes, diced

1/2 cup of kalamata olives, sliced in half

1 handful of parsley, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup of olive oil

1/4 cup of red wine vinegar

1 lemon

salt and pepper

1. On the stovetop, bring a pot of water to boil for the orzo. Once it has come to a boil, liberally salt the water and add the orzo to it. Leave the pot uncovered while the orzo cooks. About 7 minutes. 
2. While the orzo is cooking, take a serving bowl and put the feta cheese, onion, cucumber, tomato, and olives. 
3. In another smaller bowl, pour your vinegar and slowly add in the olive oil whisking it as you pour to emulsify it. 
4. Once the orzo is done, strain it and dump it into the salad bowl on top of the veggies and cheese. Since the orzo is still warm it will heat the cheese and all of the other veggies which helps them to release their flavors. Mix
5. Add The dressing to the salad and mix. 
6. Squeeze the lemon over the salad and mix. 
7. Salt and pepper to taste. 
8. Garnish with the chopped parsley. 

Yes, it is as good as it looks

Turkey Florentine Meatballs:
1 1/2 lb of lean ground turkey
1 egg
1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
2 cups of chopped spinach (you can use fresh or frozen spinach for this)
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 tsp of dried oregano
salt and pepper
Olive oil

1. In a large bowl, put the turkey, egg, feta, spinach, and garlic. Combine with your hands until everything is mixed and incorporated together. 
2. Add the oregano and about a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of pepper. Mix together. 
3. Set a skillet to medium high heat with a drizzle of olive oil on the bottom of the skillet. 
4. Make meatballs with the meat mixture. Each one should be a little larger than a golf ball. Be sure to press the ball together as you are making it. 
5. When you are done making the meatballs, put into the heated pan, turn them once they are brown on each side. Allow time for there to be a nice browned edge on each side before you turn it. Continue to turn and cook them until all sides are browned and the meet is cooked through. This will take about 10-12 minutes. 

Serve with the Orzo Salad..... Enjoy