Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

The Keftedes In Lemon Sauce recipe brings the flavors of Greece right to your kitchen. These tender meatballs, drenched in a zesty lemon sauce and enriched with butter, are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply treating yourself to a delightful meal, these Greek meatballs will impress everyone at the table. With hints of garlic and dried oregano, they offer a flavorful experience that is hard to resist.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Meatballs
• For the Sauce
• How to Make Keftedes In Lemon Sauce
• Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
• Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
• Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
• Step 4: Make the Lemon Sauce
• Step 5: Combine Meatballs with Sauce
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Keftedes In Lemon Sauce
• With Fresh Pita Bread
• On a Bed of Rice
• With Greek Salad
• Topped with Feta Cheese
• As Part of a Mezze Platter
• With Roasted Vegetables
• How to Perfect Keftedes In Lemon Sauce
• Best Side Dishes for Keftedes In Lemon Sauce
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Keftedes In Lemon Sauce
• Reheating Keftedes In Lemon Sauce
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use different meats for Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?
• How do I make the sauce thicker?
• Can I add vegetables to Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?
• What should I serve with Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, oregano, and lemon creates a vibrant taste that elevates the humble meatball.
• Easy to Prepare: Despite their restaurant-quality taste, these meatballs come together quickly with simple steps.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or served as an appetizer at parties, these meatballs are sure to be a hit.
• Comforting and Hearty: The rich lemon sauce complements the meatballs well, making for a comforting meal everyone loves.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from the meats and enriched with herbs, this dish is both satisfying and healthy.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• frying pan
• mixing bowl
• measuring cups
• cutting board
• knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Frying Pan: A good frying pan is essential for browning the meatballs evenly and creating a nice crust.
• Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl helps combine ingredients easily without making a mess.
• Measuring Cups: Precise measurements ensure you get the perfect balance of flavors in your lemon sauce.

Ingredients

The softest and juiciest Greek meatballs in lemon sauce with butter. Flavored with garlic and dried oregano.

For the Meatballs

• olive oil
• 200 grams (7 ounce) ground pork
• 400 grams (14 ounce) lean ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) crustless bread
• 125 ml (½ cup) white wine
• 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

How to Make Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork and ground beef. Add in the egg, crustless bread pieces soaked in white wine, minced onion, garlic cloves, cumin, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls about 2 inches in diameter. This should yield approximately 15 meatballs.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Sauce

In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in hot water or stock until smooth. Add lemon juice along with additional salt and pepper to taste. Bring it to a simmer.

Step 5: Combine Meatballs with Sauce

Return the browned meatballs to the pan with lemon sauce. Allow them to simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes until fully cooked through and infused with flavor.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your delicious Keftedes In Lemon Sauce warm over rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up that delightful sauce! Enjoy!

How to Serve Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Keftedes in lemon sauce can be served in various delightful ways that enhance their flavor and texture. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Fresh Pita Bread

• Serve warm pita bread alongside the meatballs. The soft bread is perfect for scooping up the flavorful sauce.

On a Bed of Rice

• Place the keftedes over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice absorbs the delicious lemon sauce, making every bite satisfying.

With Greek Salad

• Pair with a refreshing Greek salad. The crisp veggies balance the richness of the meatballs and add a burst of freshness.

Topped with Feta Cheese

• Crumble feta cheese over the top just before serving. This adds a tangy flavor that complements the lemon sauce beautifully.

As Part of a Mezze Platter

• Include keftedes on a mezze platter with olives, hummus, and tzatziki. This makes for an inviting appetizer spread.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Serve alongside a mix of roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. The caramelized veggies provide a sweet contrast to the savory meatballs.

How to Perfect Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Making the perfect keftedes requires attention to detail and some handy tips. Here are some suggestions to ensure your meatballs turn out great every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and minced garlic will enhance the flavor of your keftedes significantly.
• Don’t skip the soaking: Soak your crustless bread in white wine before mixing it into the meat mixture; this keeps the meatballs moist.
• Shape uniformly: Make sure all meatballs are similar in size for even cooking. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter.
• Cook gently: When frying, keep the heat moderate to avoid burning while ensuring they cook through completely.
• Let them rest: After cooking, let keftedes rest for a few minutes before serving; this allows flavors to meld together nicely.

Best Side Dishes for Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Pairing sides with keftedes in lemon sauce can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some tasty side dishes that complement this dish perfectly.

1. Tzatziki Sauce: A cool yogurt-based dip made with cucumber and garlic; it’s refreshing and complements the richness of keftedes.
2. Lemon Rice Pilaf: Flavored with herbs and lemon zest, this fluffy rice dish pairs beautifully with the tangy sauce.
3. Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned grilled zucchini adds a smoky flavor that contrasts well with the savory meatballs.
4. Greek Potato Wedges: Roasted or fried wedges seasoned with oregano make for an excellent side that’s easy to prepare.
5. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): Flavorful grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs create an authentic Greek experience on your plate.
6. Feta and Olive Tapenade: A spread made from olives and feta cheese brings saltiness that enhances every bite of meatball.
7. Roasted Beet Salad: Earthy roasted beets combined with arugula provide a vibrant color and taste balance on your table.
8. Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad tossed with vegetables and herbs offers a refreshing side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Keftedes In Lemon Sauce, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using stale bread: Fresh bread absorbs moisture better, leading to juicier meatballs. Ensure your bread is fresh or slightly toasted.
• Overmixing the meat: Mixing too much can result in tough meatballs. Combine ingredients just until mixed for softness.
• Skipping the resting time: Letting the mixture rest allows flavors to meld. Don’t rush this step; let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
• Not seasoning properly: Underseasoned meatballs can taste bland. Taste and adjust seasoning before cooking.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold meat and eggs can affect texture. Use room temperature ingredients for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Keftedes In Lemon Sauce in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Make sure the dish has cooled before sealing.

Freezing Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

• Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag.
• Best consumed within 3 months for optimal flavor.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot, usually 3-5 minutes.
• Stovetop: Gently heat over medium-low heat with a little added broth or water until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different meats for Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?

Yes! You can mix any ground meats such as lamb or turkey for different flavors.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, gradually whisk in more flour or cornstarch dissolved in water while simmering.

Can I add vegetables to Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?

Absolutely! Chopped spinach or grated zucchini can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.

What should I serve with Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?

These meatballs pair well with rice, pasta, or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Keftedes In Lemon Sauce offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that appeal to everyone. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs and spices. Whether served as a hearty main course or as part of a meze platter, these Greek meatballs are sure to impress!