Keftedakia (Greek Mint and Ouzo Flavored Meatballs)

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 30 Meatballs

Ingredients

• 2  slices  home-made style  bread, trimmed of crust and torn into small pieces
• 1⁄4 cup  ouzo (or substitute another anise flavored liqueur)
• 6  tablespoons olive oil
• 1⁄2 cup  finely chopped onion
• 1  lb lean ground beef
• 1  egg
• 1  tablespoon  finely chopped fresh mint leaves or 1  teaspoon dried mint
• 1  garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 1  cup all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Soak the bread in the ouzo for at least 5 minutes.
2. Heat half the olive oil in a skillet over moderate heat, add the onions, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are soft but not brown.
3. Remove the onions with a slotted spoon, placing them in a large mixing bowl.
4. Squeeze the bread dry (discard the ouzo) and add the bread to the onions.
5. Add the ground beef, egg, mint, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and knead vigorously with your hands, then beat with a wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
6. Shape the beef mixture into balls about the size of walnuts (you may find that wetting your hands with water helps prevent sticking) and then roll the meatballs in the flour to coat evenly.
7. Place the meatballs on a cookie sheet and refrigerate for at least one hour.
8. Add the remaining olive oil to a large skillet and brown the meatballs, 7 or 8 at a time, over high heat, cooking 8 to 10 minutes and shaking the pan from time to time.
9. As each batch is done, remove them with a slotted spoon and place on an ovenproof serving platter.
10. Keep them warm in a 200°F (100°C) oven while you finish cooking the rest.