Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that brings everyone together, let me introduce you to my favorite recipe: Keftedes In Lemon Sauce. These delightful Greek meatballs are not only soft and juicy but also drenched in a zesty lemon sauce that adds a vibrant touch to every bite. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, and it’s sure to impress both the little ones and the adults at the table.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a meal that feels both comforting and elegant. Plus, the combination of garlic and dried oregano gives these meatballs an irresistible flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these meatballs ready to cook in no time!
• Family-friendly: Who doesn’t love meatballs? This dish is an instant hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and simply reheat them in the sauce for an easy dinner solution.
• Deliciously flavorful: The combination of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs creates a bright flavor that elevates this classic dish.
• Versatile: These keftedes can be enjoyed on their own or served over rice or pasta for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make our Keftedes In Lemon Sauce! You probably have many of these staples in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Meatballs

• olive oil
• 200 grams (7 ounce) ground beef
• 400 grams (14 ounce) 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

One of the best things about Keftedes In Lemon Sauce is how flexible it can be! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add veggies: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or zucchini into the meat mixture for added nutrition.
• Change up the herbs: Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme for a unique twist on flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give your keftedes a little kick!

How to Make Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by combining all your meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well until everything is combined but be careful not to overwork it; we want those meatballs tender! Form them into small balls—about the size of golf balls—and place them on a plate. This step is crucial because shaping them evenly ensures they cook uniformly.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add your meatballs to the pan, making sure not to crowd them. Brown them on all sides; this will create delicious caramelization that enhances their flavor! Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside while we make that luscious lemon sauce.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly until golden brown—this creates a roux that thickens our sauce. Gradually pour in hot water or stock while stirring continuously, then add lemon juice along with salt and pepper. This step is important as it builds layers of flavor while ensuring your sauce has just the right consistency.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return those beautiful meatballs back into the skillet with your lemon sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 15-20 minutes until those flavors meld beautifully. Your kitchen will smell amazing! This step allows each meatball to soak up all that zesty goodness.

Now you’re ready to serve your Keftedes In Lemon Sauce! Enjoy every bite knowing you’ve created something truly special that will warm hearts and bellies alike.

Pro Tips for Making Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Making the perfect Keftedes In Lemon Sauce is a delightful journey, and I’m here to help you along the way! Here are some pro tips to elevate your meatball-making experience:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and onions will enhance the flavors of your meatballs significantly. Freshness can brighten up your dish and make it taste more vibrant.
• Let the mixture rest: After mixing the ingredients, let the meatball mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes before shaping them. This allows the flavors to meld together and results in a juicier meatball.
• Don’t overmix: When combining the meat with other ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher meatballs, so keep it light and fluffy!
• Adjust lemon juice to taste: The amount of lemon juice can vary based on personal preference. Start with less and add more as desired to find your perfect balance of tanginess.
• Test fry a small meatball: Before cooking all your Keftedes, fry a small test meatball. This will allow you to adjust seasoning if necessary and ensure you love the flavor before finishing the batch.

How to Serve Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Serving your Keftedes In Lemon Sauce beautifully can make mealtime even more special. Here are some ideas to help you present this delightful dish:

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the sauce.
• Lemon wedges: Serve alongside lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus when enjoying each bite.

Side Dishes

• Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil balances out the richness of the keftedes.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized make a wonderful side that brings depth and texture to your meal.
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked in broth with herbs makes an excellent base for soaking up that luscious lemon sauce.
• Pita Bread: Warm pita bread is perfect for scooping up those delicious meatballs and sauce, adding an authentic touch to your Greek-inspired dinner.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy a delightful dinner of Keftedes In Lemon Sauce! Bon appétit!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Keftedes In Lemon Sauce recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare the meatballs in advance and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to store and reheat them properly.

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’ve made extra lemon sauce, store it separately.

Freezing

• Place cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and use within 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• For refrigerated meatballs, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• For frozen meatballs, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen, adding a bit of water or broth to the pan to prevent drying out.
• Heat until hot and serve with extra lemon sauce drizzled over top.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Keftedes In Lemon Sauce that might help you!

How do I make Keftedes In Lemon Sauce gluten-free?

You can substitute the crustless bread with gluten-free bread or use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I make Keftedes In Lemon Sauce ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can make the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer for later use.

What can I serve with Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?

These delicious meatballs pair well with rice, couscous, or a fresh Greek salad. You can also serve them with warm pita bread for a delightful meal!

Can I use different types of ground meat for Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer those options while keeping the flavor profile intact.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to try making these Keftedes In Lemon Sauce! They’re not just a treat for your taste buds but also a comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. Whether you’re preparing it for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences in the comments!