🧆 Crispy Mediterranean Stuffing Balls with Herbed Gravy

🛒 Ingredients (Makes 12–15 balls)

For the Stuffing Balls

• 4 cups cubed bread (day-old works best)

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 large carrot, finely diced

• 1 celery stalk, finely diced

• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary OR 1 tsp dried

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme OR 1 tsp dried

• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional but very Mediterranean)

• ½ cup crumbled feta (optional)

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Olive oil spray (for baking)

Mediterranean Herbed Gravy

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp flour

• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp thyme

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: squeeze of lemon for brightness

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🔪 Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread

• Preheat oven to 190°C / 375°F.

• Spread bread cubes on a tray and toast 8–10 minutes to dry them slightly.

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2. Sauté Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet.

2. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–6 minutes.

3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

4. Add herbs and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for 1 minute.

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3. Mix the Stuffing

In a large bowl, combine:

• Toasted bread cubes

• Sautéed veggie mixture

• Feta (if using)

• Parsley

In a separate cup:

• Whisk broth + eggs

• Pour over the mixture

• Toss until everything is moist (not soggy)

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4. Form the Balls

• Lightly oil your hands.

• Shape into golf-ball-sized stuffing balls.

• Place on a lined baking sheet.

• Spray or brush with olive oil.

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5. Bake

• Bake at 200°C / 400°F for 20–25 minutes,

• Until crispy and golden on the outside.

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🍲 Mediterranean Herbed Gravy

1. Make the Roux

• Heat olive oil in a small pot.

• Add flour and whisk for 1 minute.

2. Add Broth

• Slowly whisk in broth until smooth.

3. Season

Add:

• oregano

• thyme

• garlic powder

• salt & pepper

Simmer until thickened (3–4 minutes).
Optional: add a squeeze of lemon.

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🍽️ Serve With

• Roasted chicken

• Grilled vegetables

• Mashed potatoes

• A fresh tomato cucumber salad

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✨ Optional Mediterranean Variations

• Add chopped olives

• Add pine nuts for crunch

• Replace parsley with basil

• Add za’atar on top before baking