chicken meatballs with eggplant and zucchini
Photo Credit: Aaron Colussi

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Eggplant and Zucchini in Pita

Tired of burgers and hot dogs? Grilled Mediterranean meatballs (called keftethes in Greece and keftas in Morocco) with a cooling tzatziki sauce are perfect for the steamy dog days of summer.

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chicken meatballs with eggplant and zucchini

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Eggplant and Zucchini in Pita

Tired of burgers and hot dogs? Grilled Mediterranean meatballs (called keftethes in Greece and keftas in Morocco) with a cooling tzatziki sauce are perfect for the steamy dog days of summer.
Course: Entree
Keyword: chicken, chicken meatballs, eggplant, greek yogurt, meatballs, pita, zucchini
Servings: 6
Calories: 367kcal
Author: Kimberly Lord Stewart

Ingredients

  • 1 zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 4 long slices
  • ½ of small eggplant, cut lengthwise and then in ¼-inch slices
  • 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 cup soft breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper, plus more to taste
  • 2 tablespoon parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Dried oregano
  • 2-4 whole-grain pita bread rounds, cut in half
  • Shredded lettuce
  • 1-2 tomatoes, diced
  • ½ cup feta cheese
  • Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or recipe below)

Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1/3 English cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Hefty pinch of pepper

Instructions

  • Salt zucchini and eggplant; let sit 30 minutes on a rack with paper towels underneath.
  • Meanwhile, place ground chicken or turkey in a medium-sized bowl. Add onions, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, parsley and mint, and knead with your hands, until well-combined. Chill 30 minutes.
  • Pat excess water from eggplant and zucchini with a dry paper towel. Brush both sides generously with olive oil; sprinkle with dried oregano and pepper. Set on a platter.
  • Shape meat mixture into 4–6 long, flat meatballs. Set on a platter.
  • Heat grill to medium heat; oil well.
  • Place meatballs on grill; cook 8–10 minutes, turning once.
  • When meatballs are half done, place eggplant and zucchini on grill. Cook 2–3 minutes on each side.
  • Place meat and vegetables on a platter with pita bread, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and a bowl of tzatziki. Let guests make their own sandwiches.

Notes

To make sauce, place diced cucumber in a colander; press out excess water with piece of paper towel. Place cucumbers in a bowl, add all ingredients, and stir well.

Nutrition

Calories: 367kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 7g | Sodium: 1220mg | Fiber: 4g
Tried this recipe?Mention @WPRecipeMaker or tag #wprecipemaker!

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