Bifteki with Tzatziki and Tomato Rice
A delicious Greek meal featuring seasoned ground beef patties stuffed with feta, served with a refreshing cucumber and yogurt tzatziki, and a savory tomato rice.
Ingredients
- cucumber
- Greek yogurt
- garlic
- fresh dill
- olive oil
- salt
- ground beef
- bread roll
- onion
- garlic
- fresh parsley
- egg
- salt
- pepper
- oregano
- cumin
- sweet paprika
- Vegeta
- feta cheese
- onion
- long-grain rice
- tomato paste
- strained tomatoes
- vegetable broth
- Greek spice mix
- salt
- parsley
- red onion
Method
- 1
Cut the ends off the cucumber, then peel it partially, leaving some strips of skin.
- 2
Grate the cucumber using a grater.
- 3
Place the grated cucumber into a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out all excess water. This is crucial to prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery.
- 4
In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, finely chopped dill, minced garlic (as much as you like), the squeezed grated cucumber, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
- 5
Stir all ingredients well until combined.
- 6
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill.
- 7
Cut the bread roll into small cubes.
- 8
Place the bread cubes in a bowl and pour lukewarm water over them. Let them soften.
- 9
In a large bowl, add the ground beef.
- 10
Squeeze out the softened bread cubes thoroughly and add them to the ground beef.
- 11
Add diced onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and one egg to the bowl.
- 12
Season generously with salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, sweet paprika, and Vegeta (if using).
- 13
Using gloved hands, thoroughly knead all ingredients together until well combined and the mixture is firm.
- 14
Lay out a piece of parchment paper or cling film. Take a portion of the ground beef mixture, flatten it into an oval shape on the parchment paper.
- 15
Cut the flattened meat mixture in half lengthwise.
- 16
Place crumbled feta cheese in the middle of one half of the meat mixture.
- 17
Carefully fold the other half of the meat mixture over the feta, sealing the edges well to encapsulate the cheese. Ensure the feta is completely covered by the meat to prevent it from leaking out during cooking.
- 18
Shape the bifteki into an elongated oval.
- 19
Repeat for the remaining meat mixture and feta.
- 20
Preheat an electric grill (or a pan/outdoor grill). Place the bifteki on the grill, along with some sliced potatoes if desired.
- 21
Select the meat program on the grill (or cook in a pan over medium-high heat) until cooked through and nicely browned with grill marks.
- 22
In a pot, heat some oil and sauté diced onion until translucent.
- 23
Add the pre-washed long-grain rice to the pot and toast it briefly with the onions.
- 24
Add the tomato paste and stir, letting it cook for a minute to deepen its flavor.
- 25
Pour in the strained tomatoes and vegetable broth.
- 26
Stir everything together, season with salt and Greek spice mix (if using).
- 27
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and all the liquid is absorbed. Check if more liquid is needed during cooking.
- 28
Once the bifteki, tzatziki, and tomato rice are ready, arrange them nicely on a plate.
- 29
Garnish the bifteki with thinly sliced red onion and chopped parsley.
- 30
Serve immediately and enjoy!
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