Meatballs are always a hit with families.  I’ve given a Mediterranean twist to these savoury meatballs and serve them over a bed of orzo, which is simply rice-shaped pasta. Add some diced tomatoes, olives, feta and mint and you have an upscale version of spaghetti and meatballs.

RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with vegetable oil.
2. In bowl combine beef, egg, onion, 1/3 cup feta, spinach, breadcrumbs, ¼ cup mint, bbq sauce, basil, oregano and 1 tsp garlic. Mix until combined and form into 12 meatballs. Place on baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until temperature reaches 160 F.
3. Meanwhile, cook orzo as you would pasta. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook orzo for 8 minutes or just until tender to the bite. Drain and add tomatoes, olives, lemon juice, olive oil and remaining 1/3 cup feta / ¼ cup mint and 1 tsp garlic. Spoon orzo on serving plate, place meatballs over top. Garnish with remaining 2 tbsp feta.

INGREDIENTS
1 lb lean ground beef or lamb
1 egg
¼ cup finely diced onion
2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese + 2 tbsp for garnish
½ 10 oz box frozen chopped spinach. (defrosted and drained)
¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
½ cup chopped fresh mint or parsley
2 tbsp barbeque sauce
½ tsp dried basil
¼ tsp dried oregano
2 tsp minced garlic

Orzo
1 cup uncooked orzo
1 cup diced tomato
1/3 cup diced black olives
3 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil

NOTES
Prep time – 20 minutes
Cook time – 15 minutes
Serves 4

Nutritional Information per Serving
Calories 490
Total Fat 19
Saturated Fat 6g
Cholesterol 115mg
Sodium 720mg
Carbohydrate 43g
Fibre 4g
Protein 38g