Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort, let me introduce you to Keftedes In Lemon Sauce! These delightful Greek meatballs are tender, juicy, and smothered in a zesty lemon sauce that will make your taste buds dance. This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of cozy family dinners filled with laughter and love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering, these meatballs always steal the show.

The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make! You’ll find that they’re perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen newcomers alike. Plus, they can be prepped ahead of time, making them a fantastic choice for meal prep or entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip these up in no time!
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will adore the juicy meatballs and tangy lemon sauce.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs in advance and enjoy stress-free cooking when it’s time to eat.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about serving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, we’ll work with some simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you need to make these delicious 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! Feel free to get creative based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add some veggies: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini into the meat mixture for an extra nutritional boost.
• Spice it up: If you’re feeling adventurous, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Herb it up: Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme 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, egg, crustless bread soaked in white grape juice, minced onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mixing by hand ensures that everything blends well while keeping the meatballs tender. Don’t overmix; just enough until combined!

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper. This makes it easier to transfer them later and helps prevent sticking.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and carefully place your meatballs in the pan. Cook until they are golden brown on all sides—this step adds great flavor! Once cooked through, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and bubbly; this creates a roux that thickens your sauce beautifully. Gradually add hot water or stock while stirring continuously until smooth. Add lemon juice along with salt and pepper to taste—this is where that zesty flavor comes alive!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with your luscious lemon sauce. Let them simmer gently for about five minutes so they soak up those incredible flavors. Serve warm over rice or pasta for a comforting meal everyone will love!

Pro Tips for Making Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Making Keftedes in Lemon Sauce is a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you can elevate this dish to perfection!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will enhance the flavor significantly. The freshness adds vibrant notes that dried versions simply can’t replicate.

• Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the ground beef and other ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs instead of soft and juicy ones.

• Chill Before Cooking: Allowing the meatballs to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape better while they cook.

• Adjust Lemon Juice to Taste: Depending on your preference for acidity, feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice. A little extra can brighten up the dish, while less can make it milder.

• Save Some Sauce for Serving: Reserve a bit of the lemon sauce to drizzle over the meatballs just before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor and keeps them moist.

How to Serve Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Presenting your Keftedes in Lemon Sauce beautifully can make a simple dinner feel like a special occasion. Here are some ideas to serve this delicious dish:

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the flavors.
• Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest provides an aromatic burst that complements the lemon sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese tossed in olive oil and oregano provides a crisp contrast to the warm meatballs.
• Lemon Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lemon juice and herbs makes for a light and zesty side that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables drizzled with olive oil complement the meatballs well while adding nutritional value and texture.
• Pita Bread: Warm pita bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, making every bite more enjoyable!

Now you’re all set to enjoy your delicious Keftedes in Lemon Sauce! Each element comes together harmoniously for a memorable meal. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Keftedes In Lemon Sauce recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, allowing for quick and delicious meals throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your leftovers:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Place cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to keep them moist.
• Alternatively, microwave them in short intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Keftedes In Lemon Sauce that you might have:

What are Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?

Keftedes In Lemon Sauce are juicy Greek meatballs flavored with garlic and oregano, served in a buttery lemon sauce. They’re a delightful main dish perfect for any dinner!

Can I customize the spices in Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil, or adjust the garlic and cumin levels according to your taste preferences.

How do I ensure my Keftedes In Lemon Sauce stay juicy?

To keep your meatballs tender, don’t overmix the ingredients. Also, using lean ground beef along with some moisture from the grape juice helps maintain their juiciness.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Keftedes In Lemon Sauce as much as I do! They’re not just delicious; they bring a touch of Greek comfort food into your home. Whether you’re enjoying them with family or serving them at a gathering, these meatballs are sure to impress. Happy cooking!