Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that brings the warmth of Greek cuisine to your table, you’ve found it with Keftedes In Lemon Sauce. These delightful meatballs are soft, juicy, and bursting with flavor, thanks to their garlic and oregano seasoning. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, this recipe delivers that cozy, home-cooked vibe we all cherish.

What makes this dish truly special is the bright lemon sauce that blankets each meatball in a buttery embrace. It’s a hit with both kids and adults alike! You might even find yourself wanting to make extra just for the leftovers (if there are any!). Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delicious feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these delicious meatballs ready in no time!
• Family-friendly: These tasty meatballs appeal to young and old alike, making them perfect for family dinners.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the meatballs earlier in the day and simply heat them up in the sauce when you’re ready to eat.
• Deliciously flavorful: The combination of garlic, oregano, and zesty lemon creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. They come together beautifully to create Keftedes In Lemon Sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:

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! Here are some easy variations you can try to suit your taste:

• Swap the protein: Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini into the meat mixture for added nutrition.
• Change up the herbs: Experiment with fresh basil or mint instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes into your meat mixture if you like a bit of heat!

How to Make Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by combining your ground beef, minced onion, garlic, egg, and bread in a large bowl. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Don’t forget to add in your seasonings—cumin, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper—because they elevate the taste of your meatballs!

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Once your mixture is well combined, it’s time to shape them into small balls. This step is crucial because evenly sized meatballs will cook uniformly. Aim for about 15 meatballs—perfect for sharing!

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add your shaped meatballs carefully so they don’t splatter. Searing them on all sides until golden brown not only enhances their flavor but also helps lock in moisture.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Sauce

In another saucepan, melt butter over low heat before whisking in flour until smooth; this creates a roux that thickens your sauce beautifully. Gradually add hot water or stock while whisking continuously to avoid lumps—this step is essential for achieving that silky texture!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once your sauce has thickened slightly, stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Gently return your browned meatballs to the pan and let them simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows those wonderful flavors to meld together perfectly.

And there you have it—Keftedes In Lemon Sauce ready to be enjoyed! Serve these flavorful meatballs over rice or with crusty bread to soak up that delightful sauce. I can’t wait for you to try this dish—it’s sure to become a new favorite at your table!

Pro Tips for Making Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Making Keftedes in Lemon Sauce can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Choose Quality Meat: Using a mix of ground beef helps achieve the best flavor and texture. The combination of lean and regular ground beef creates juicy meatballs that are tender and flavorful.

• Moisten the Bread: Soaking crustless bread in white grape juice not only adds moisture but also binds the ingredients together. This ensures your meatballs are soft and succulent rather than dry.

• Don’t Skip the Garlic: Garlic is a key flavor component in this dish. If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two for an even more aromatic experience.

• Adjust the Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is essential for that refreshing tang. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the lemon juice to your preference; some may enjoy it a bit zestier!

• Let Them Rest: After cooking, let your Keftedes rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving. This allows them to absorb more flavor and ensures every bite is packed with taste.

How to Serve Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

When it comes to serving Keftedes in Lemon Sauce, presentation can elevate your dish from great to spectacular. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful Greek dish!

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Top your meatballs with freshly chopped parsley or dill for a burst of color and freshness.
• Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest adds not only visual appeal but also enhances the citrus flavor of the dish.

Side Dishes

• Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese dressed with olive oil creates a perfect contrast to the richness of Keftedes.
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs and spices serves as a great base to soak up any remaining lemon sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant complement the flavors of your meatballs while adding nutritional value.
• Pita Bread: Soft pita bread can be served warm on the side for scooping up meatballs and sauce—perfect for an interactive dining experience!

With these tips on serving suggestions, you’ll create not just a meal but a memorable dining experience filled with flavors that transport you straight to Greece! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Keftedes In Lemon Sauce recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious Greek meatballs throughout the week. With proper storage, you can savor the flavors of this dish even on busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If you have leftover lemon sauce, store it separately for optimal flavor retention.

Freezing

• Once cooled, place the keftedes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze for about 1-2 hours or until solid.
• Transfer frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For refrigerated meatballs, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water until warmed through.
• For frozen meatballs, thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost function on your microwave before reheating.
• Add a bit of lemon sauce during reheating for extra moisture and flavor.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Keftedes In Lemon Sauce that might help you out!

What are Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?

Keftedes In Lemon Sauce are traditional Greek meatballs made with ground beef, flavored with garlic and oregano, and served in a delicious lemon butter sauce.

Can I make Keftedes In Lemon Sauce without beef?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use plant-based alternatives if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?

Adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill can elevate the flavor profile. Also, consider adjusting the amount of lemon juice based on your taste preference – more citrus adds brightness!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing these delightful Keftedes In Lemon Sauce! Their tender texture and zesty lemon sauce make them truly special. Whether it’s for family dinner or meal prep, these meatballs are sure to bring smiles around your table. Enjoy making this dish and share your experience with friends and family—happy cooking!