Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table, then Keftedes In Lemon Sauce is just what you need! These delightful Greek meatballs are soft, juicy, and drenched in a tangy lemon sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. The combination of garlic and dried oregano adds a wonderful depth of flavor, making this dish a family favorite.

I love how easy it is to whip up these meatballs! You can even make them ahead of time and reheat them when you’re ready to serve. Trust me; your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious meatballs ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the juicy meatballs and zesty sauce—perfect for picky eaters!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer for an easy weeknight meal.
• Flavorful Experience: The bright lemon sauce combined with garlic and oregano creates an unforgettable taste that will leave everyone craving more!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Keftedes In Lemon Sauce is so simple with these wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a part in creating those tender meatballs and rich sauce that you’ll absolutely love.

For the Meatballs

• olive oil
• 200 grams (7 ounces) ground beef
• 400 grams (14 ounces) lean ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) crustless bread
• 125 ml (½ cup) white grape juice
• 100 grams (½ cup) onion (minced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (+ extra to serve with)
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley (or fresh minced)
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (+ extra for the sauce)
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper (+ extra for the sauce)

For the Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (500 ml) hot water or stock (vegetable, beef, or chicken stock)
• 8-10 tablespoons lemon juice

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to adjust it according to your taste or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add some veggies: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or zucchini into the meat mixture for an extra boost of nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture if you want a little kick.
• Herb swap: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil to create your unique flavor profile.

How to Make Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by combining all your ingredients for the meatballs in a large bowl. This step is crucial because mixing everything together well ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Use your hands to gently combine until just mixed—don’t overwork it, or your meatballs might become tough!

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Once your mixture is ready, form small balls—about the size of golf balls. This size ensures they cook evenly while maintaining their juiciness. Place them on a plate as you go; it makes cooking them later much easier!

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add your shaped meatballs carefully. Cook them until they are browned on all sides—this caramelization adds amazing flavor! It usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Sauce

After removing the browned meatballs from the pan, melt butter in the same skillet and whisk in flour until golden. Gradually add hot water or stock while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Then stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper—this creates that luscious tangy sauce that perfectly complements our keftedes.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Gently return your cooked meatballs back to the skillet with the lemon sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 15 minutes. This allows those flavors to meld beautifully while keeping your meatballs tender and juicy.

And there you have it! A dish that’s sure to impress anyone who sits at your table. Enjoy every bite of these Keftedes In Lemon Sauce!

Pro Tips for Making Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Making Keftedes in Lemon Sauce is a rewarding experience that will fill your kitchen with delightful aromas. Here are some tips to ensure your meatballs turn out perfect every time!

• Choose the right meat: Using a blend of ground beef adds flavor and moisture. The combination of lean and fatty ground beef creates the juiciest meatballs.

• Soak the bread: Soaking the crustless bread in white grape juice helps bind the ingredients while adding a hint of sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of your Keftedes.

• Don’t skip the garlic: Freshly minced garlic elevates the taste profile significantly. It brings a lovely aroma and depth to the dish that dried garlic simply can’t match.

• Adjust lemon juice to taste: While 8-10 tablespoons is recommended, start with less and gradually add more. This allows you to customize the tanginess according to your preference.

• Let them rest before serving: Allowing the cooked Keftedes to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps them retain their juices, making each bite tender and flavorful.

How to Serve Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Keftedes in Lemon Sauce can be presented beautifully on any dining table, creating an inviting atmosphere for your meal. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delicious dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley sprinkled over the top adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges alongside gives guests an option for extra zest, enhancing that lovely lemony flavor.

Side Dishes

• Greek salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese (or a dairy-free alternative) drizzled with olive oil makes for a light and crunchy complement.

• Rice pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with aromatic herbs pairs wonderfully with Keftedes, soaking up all that zesty lemon sauce for a hearty side.

• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant bring additional flavors and textures to your plate while keeping it healthy.

• Pita bread: Soft pita bread serves as an excellent accompaniment for scooping up those succulent meatballs and sauce, making each bite even more enjoyable.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your homemade Keftedes in Lemon Sauce! Enjoy every delightful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for Keftedes In Lemon Sauce is perfect for meal prep! It’s not only delicious but also easy to make in larger batches, allowing you to enjoy these flavorful meatballs throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the meatballs cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They can be stored for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Allow the cooked meatballs to cool completely.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or stock. Cover and heat until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes until heated evenly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Keftedes In Lemon Sauce.

Can I use chicken instead of beef for Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version of these meatballs. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly.

How do I achieve the best flavor in my Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?

To enhance the flavor, let your meat mixture rest after combining all ingredients. This allows the spices and herbs to meld beautifully!

Can I adjust the lemon juice in Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your taste preferences. More lemon juice will result in a tangier sauce!

What should I serve with Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?

These meatballs pair wonderfully with rice, couscous, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with warm pita bread for an authentic touch!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy and flavor to your table! The soft, juicy Keftedes In Lemon Sauce is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that captures Greek culinary tradition. Enjoy making this dish, share it with friends and family, and relish every bite. Happy cooking!