Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that brings the flavors of Greece right to your kitchen, you’ve found it with Keftedes In Lemon Sauce. These soft and juicy meatballs are not just delicious—they’re drenched in a rich lemony sauce that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying, or for family gatherings where everyone will ask for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity and heartwarming flavor. The combination of garlic, oregano, and lemon creates a vibrant taste profile that’s sure to please any palate. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these meatballs will surely become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delightful meatballs without any fuss.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the tender meatballs and zesty sauce—perfect for all ages!
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the meatballs earlier in the day and simply reheat them when it’s time to eat.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of spices and lemon juice creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave you craving more.
• Versatile serving options: Serve them over rice, with crusty bread, or alongside fresh veggies—whatever fits your meal!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to create a delicious meal without any hassle. Let’s gather what we need to make these tasty Keftedes In Lemon Sauce!

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 Lemon 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 customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Mix in finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini into the meatball mixture for added nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat in your dishes.
• Herb your way: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil to change up the flavor profile.

How to Make Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, crustless bread, white grape juice, minced onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mixing well is important here—it ensures that all those delicious flavors meld together beautifully. Don’t be shy; get your hands in there!

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Once your mixture is well combined, shape it into small meatballs—about the size of golf balls. This size allows them to cook evenly while staying juicy inside. Place them onto a plate as you go; they’ll be ready for frying soon!

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and allow it to warm up. Carefully place each meatball into the skillet and cook until they are browned on all sides—this step adds amazing flavor! It usually takes about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Sauce

After browning your meatballs, remove them from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth—this forms a roux that thickens your sauce. Gradually add hot water or stock while stirring constantly until it thickens nicely.

Step 5: Add Flavor to Your Sauce

Stir in lemon juice along with additional salt and pepper according to taste. Returning the meatballs back into this tangy sauce is where the magic happens! Let everything simmer together for about 10-15 minutes so that those flavors can really soak in.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once done simmering, serve your Keftedes In Lemon Sauce hot! Sprinkle some extra oregano on top for garnish if desired. Pair them with rice or fresh bread to soak up all that luscious sauce—your taste buds will thank you!

Pro Tips for Making Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Making Keftedes in Lemon Sauce is a delightful culinary adventure that’s easier than you might think! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your meatballs turn out perfectly every time.

• Choose the right meat: Using a mix of ground beef not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the meatballs juicy and tender. Lean ground beef balances the richness without becoming too greasy.

• Soak the bread: A little trick to ensure moisture in your Keftedes is soaking the crustless bread in white grape juice before mixing it into the meat. This keeps the meatballs soft and flavorful.

• Don’t skip the spices: Seasoning is essential! Make sure to incorporate enough dried oregano, cumin, and parsley into your mixture. It adds layers of flavor that make these meatballs truly special.

• Mind your cooking temperature: Cooking your Keftedes over medium heat allows them to brown nicely without burning. This step locks in flavors while ensuring they cook through.

• Rest before serving: Allowing your cooked meatballs to rest for a few minutes before serving helps them retain moisture and makes them even more delicious!

How to Serve Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Presenting Keftedes in Lemon Sauce can be a feast for both the eyes and the palate! You can serve this dish with various garnishes and sides that complement its bright flavors beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to add an extra squeeze of tangy goodness according to their taste.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, offering crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile even more.

Side Dishes

• Greek salad: A refreshing combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese (or a non-dairy alternative) tossed in olive oil and lemon juice pairs wonderfully with Keftedes.
• Rice pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs complements the richness of the meatballs while absorbing all that delightful lemon sauce.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies, like zucchini or bell peppers, bring sweetness and texture that balance out the savory meatballs.
• Pita bread: Soft pita bread serves as a perfect vessel for scooping up Keftedes and sauce, making it an ideal accompaniment for sharing around the table.

With these serving suggestions, your meal will be vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying—sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Keftedes in Lemon Sauce recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, store it, and enjoy the delightful flavors throughout the week. Here’s how to handle leftovers:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• For best results, keep the lemon sauce separate until ready to serve.

Freezing

• Freeze the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To prevent freezer burn, remove as much air as possible from the bag.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen.
• Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra lemon juice to keep them moist.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for quick reheating. Just cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

FAQs

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

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

Absolutely! While this recipe features ground beef, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as needed.

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

To enhance the flavor, allow your meat mixture to rest for at least 30 minutes before shaping into meatballs. This gives the herbs and spices time to infuse into the meat.

Can I make Keftedes in Lemon Sauce without using flour?

Yes! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute flour with almond flour or finely ground oats. Just keep an eye on the consistency when making the sauce.

What can I serve with Keftedes in Lemon Sauce?

These delicious meatballs pair wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh Greek salad. You could also serve them with crusty bread to soak up that tangy lemon sauce!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Keftedes in Lemon Sauce recipe as delightful as I do! The combination of juicy meatballs enveloped in zesty lemon sauce truly makes for a comforting meal that brings everyone together. Enjoy making these at home; they are sure to impress family and friends alike! Happy cooking!