Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort, you’ve found it in this Keftedes In Lemon Sauce! These delightful Greek meatballs are tender, juicy, and smothered in a rich lemon sauce that dances on your taste buds. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe has a way of bringing everyone together around the dinner table.

What makes this dish so special is the combination of fresh ingredients and simple preparation. The zesty lemon sauce not only elevates the meatballs but also makes your kitchen smell divine. Whether you’re serving them with rice, pasta, or just on their own, these meatballs are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious meatballs in no time!
• Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, oregano, and lemon creates an irresistible flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these juicy meatballs; they’re perfect for picky eaters!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These meatballs freeze beautifully, making them a great option for meal prep.
• Versatile Dish: Pair them with your favorite sides for a complete meal!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll be using simple and wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need to make these scrumptious 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 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 fun ideas to customize your Keftedes In Lemon Sauce:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add some heat: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
• Go veggie: Replace the meat with lentils or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.
• Herb it up: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil to give your meatballs a unique twist.

How to Make Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, minced onion, garlic, egg, crustless bread, white grape juice, cumin, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mixing these ingredients together thoroughly ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Don’t forget to use your hands – it’s the best way to get everything combined!

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Once mixed well, shape the mixture into small balls about one inch in diameter. This size helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Place them on a plate while you prepare to cook them.

Step 3: Sauté and Brown

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shaped meatballs gently into the hot oil. Cook until they are browned on all sides; this step adds depth of flavor and gets that lovely golden color.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Sauce

In another pan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour to create a roux; stirring constantly will help avoid lumps. Gradually whisk in hot water or stock until smooth and thickened. Then add lemon juice along with salt and pepper to taste; this brightens up the sauce beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Carefully add the browned meatballs into the lemon sauce. Allow them to simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes; this step allows those delicious flavors to meld together perfectly.

Now you’re ready to serve! Enjoy your homemade Keftedes In Lemon Sauce warm over rice or with crusty bread—your friends and family will be delighted!

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 your meatballs are soft, juicy, and packed with flavor!

• Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and onion instead of dried. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall flavor profile of the keftedes, giving them a vibrant taste.

• Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the meatball mixture rest for at least 30 minutes before forming them allows the flavors to meld together and results in a more cohesive texture.

• Control the heat: Cook your meatballs over medium heat. This ensures they cook through without burning on the outside, resulting in well-cooked, tender meatballs.

• Add extra lemon zest: For a brighter flavor, mix in some lemon zest along with your lemon juice. This adds an aromatic citrus note that beautifully complements the dish.

• Serve immediately: Keftedes are best enjoyed right after cooking while they are still warm and juicy. If you must prepare them ahead of time, reheat gently to maintain their texture.

How to Serve Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

When it comes to serving Keftedes in lemon sauce, presentation is key! Here are some ideas to make your dish not only delicious but visually appealing as well.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the dish.
• Lemon wedges: Serving with lemon wedges allows guests to add extra tanginess according to their preference.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: If you enjoy a bit of heat, offering crushed red pepper flakes on the side can elevate the flavor and add a spicy kick.

Side Dishes

• Greek Salad: A refreshing combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil. It balances the richness of the meatballs beautifully.
• Tzatziki Sauce: This creamy yogurt-based sauce made with cucumbers and garlic pairs wonderfully with keftedes, adding a cool contrast to the warm meatballs.
• Lemon Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked in vegetable broth with a hint of lemon complements the flavors in your keftedes while making your meal more filling.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized provide a nutritious side that’s both tasty and colorful on your plate.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions at your fingertips, you’re ready to create an impressive meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Keftedes In Lemon Sauce recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store it for later, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.

Freezing

• For longer storage, freeze the meatballs before cooking.
• Arrange uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, labeled with the date.
• Use within 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warm throughout.
• If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then cook as usual or heat in a sauce over low heat until warmed through.
• Add extra lemon juice if desired to freshen the flavor during reheating.

FAQs

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

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

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will still yield delicious results. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as turkey may cook faster than beef.

What can I serve with Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?

These delightful meatballs pair wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh Greek salad. The zesty lemon sauce enhances any side dish!

How do I get my Keftedes In Lemon Sauce extra juicy?

To keep your meatballs juicy, avoid overmixing the ingredients and ensure your bread is well-soaked before incorporating it into the mixture.

Can I make Keftedes In Lemon Sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and lemon sauce in advance. Simply store them separately and combine when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delicious Keftedes In Lemon Sauce as much as I do! This recipe captures the essence of comfort food with its juicy meatballs and tangy sauce. Whether it’s for family dinner or meal prep, these meatballs are sure to impress. Happy cooking!