Cypriot Meatballs (with potatoes) Recipe

Benefits of Ingredients in Cypriot Meatballs

Keep in mind: You can click on each ingredient to find other recipes that use that ingredient.

• Potatoes: Potatoes are a rich source of complex carbohydrates providing energy, Vitamin C, and potassium. Their fiber content contributes to digestive health and provides a feeling of satiety. Potassium, vital for regulating blood pressure, makes them important for overall body functions. They pair well with meat, chicken, fish, eggs, cheese, and many vegetables, suitable for various cooking methods like baking, boiling, frying, and mashing.
• Minced Meat: Ground meat offers high-quality protein, essential heme iron, and vitamin B12. Heme iron aids in preventing anemia and supporting oxygen transport, while B12 is crucial for nervous system health and energy production. It pairs wonderfully with vegetables like onion, garlic, tomato, and parsley, boosting flavor and nutrition.
• Dry Onion: Dry onion is a kitchen staple and a powerful antioxidant source. Its quercetin content helps protect the body against free radicals, reduces inflammation, and may support heart health. Rich in Vitamins C and B6, and manganese, it strengthens the immune system. Its prebiotic fibers contribute to digestive health. It is widely used in dishes ranging from meat dishes to vegetable sautés, pilafs, and soups. It pairs perfectly with garlic, tomatoes, peppers, and red meat.
• Egg: Eggs are a highly bioavailable protein source, essential for muscle growth and repair. Rich in B12, Vitamin D, selenium, and choline, they support brain function, nervous system health, and energy production. Lutein and zeaxanthin pigments aid eye health, reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Despite their cholesterol content, eggs typically don't adversely affect blood cholesterol in most healthy individuals. A breakfast staple, eggs pair wonderfully with various ingredients like cheese, spinach, mushrooms, avocado, and whole-wheat bread.
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  Bread Crumb: Breadcrumbs are a versatile kitchen staple. Derived from dried bread, this ingredient is primarily a good source of dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and satiety. It contributes to energy metabolism through B vitamins and minerals. Breadcrumbs provide a crispy texture in coatings and act as a binder in meatballs. Their flavor is elevated when combined with Parmesan cheese, garlic, fresh herbs (parsley, oregano), and lemon zest. Ideal for baked dishes, fried foods, and enriching sauces.
• Parsley: Parsley is a powerful antioxidant source that supports bone health and plays a crucial role in blood clotting due to its Vitamin K content. Its Vitamin C content strengthens immunity. Rich in flavonoids like apigenin, it can help reduce inflammation. It is also a natural diuretic. It pairs perfectly with lemon, garlic, and olive oil; adding a refreshing flavor to fish, chicken, soups, and salads.
• Black Pepper: Black pepper, a kitchen staple, offers not just flavor but also significant health benefits. Thanks to piperine, its active compound, it boasts powerful antioxidant properties, helping to combat free radicals. It can stimulate the digestive system, enhancing nutrient absorption and notably increasing the bioavailability of curcumin found in turmeric. Additionally, it's effective in reducing gas and bloating. It also has a mild metabolism-boosting effect. With a wide range of uses from red meats to poultry, vegetable dishes to soups, it pairs excellently. It harmonizes perfectly with spices like cumin and coriander, as well as ingredients like lemon and garlic, adding depth to dishes.
• Cumin: Cumin is a powerful spice that supports digestion, reduces bloating, and stimulates digestive enzymes. Rich in iron, it possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It pairs excellently with legumes (lentils, chickpeas), red and white meats, vegetables, and yogurt-based sauces. Combined with coriander, turmeric, and chili, it creates deep flavors in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
• Thyme: Thyme, with components like thymol and carvacrol, possesses strong antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It provides a soothing effect, particularly for respiratory ailments such as coughs and sore throats. It aids the digestive system by helping reduce gas and bloating. It is also a rich source of antioxidants, strengthening the immune system. An indispensable ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, thyme pairs perfectly with red meat, chicken, fish, and vegetables. Its flavor is further enhanced with olive oil and lemon.
• Dried Mint: Dried Mint is a kitchen staple. It's particularly effective in soothing the digestive system, helping alleviate bloating and gas. Its antioxidant content supports immunity. Known for its refreshing properties, it pairs wonderfully with yogurt-based dishes, lentil soup, lamb, and various salads.
• Sunflower Oil: Sunflower oil is a rich source of Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells against free radical damage. Its unsaturated fatty acid profile can support heart health and help lower bad cholesterol. It is widely preferred in the kitchen for frying, salad dressings, and baked goods.
• Strained Yogurt: Strained Yogurt is a thick, protein-rich dairy product obtained by removing its whey. Its high protein content is excellent for muscle development and sustained satiety. The straining process can lower lactose levels, potentially making it easier to digest for some. It's a good source of probiotics that support gut microbiota and calcium essential for strong bones. It pairs perfectly with garlic, olive oil, and fresh mint in savory appetizers, or with honey and fruits for breakfast or dessert.
• Lemon: Lemon is a citrus fruit rich in Vitamin C, supporting the immune system and acting as a powerful antioxidant. Its citric acid stimulates bile production, aiding digestion and enhancing nutrient absorption. It contributes to the body's alkaline balance, supporting detoxification processes. Furthermore, it benefits skin health and may help prevent kidney stone formation. It pairs well with honey, ginger, mint, or olive oil.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil, especially in its extra virgin form, is a powerful source of health benefits due to its high content of polyphenol antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid). It supports heart health by helping to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL). With its anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces inflammation in the body, prevents cell damage, and provides protection against chronic diseases. It supports the digestive system and contributes to skin health. An indispensable part of Mediterranean cuisine, it pairs wonderfully with salads, vegetable dishes, fish, legumes, and fresh bread.

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