Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that warms the heart and fills the belly, then you’ve come to the right place! Keftedes In Lemon Sauce is one of those recipes that has been cherished in my family for as long as I can remember. These delightful Greek meatballs are not only soft and juicy but also bathed in a luscious lemon sauce that dances on your taste buds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with friends and family, this dish easily steals the show.

What makes these keftedes even more special is their versatility. They pair perfectly with a side of rice, fresh salad, or even some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Trust me, once you serve this dish, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious meal even on your busiest days.
• Family Favorite: The juicy meatballs and zesty lemon sauce appeal to both kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the keftedes ahead of time and simply heat them up in the sauce when you’re ready.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, oregano, and lemon creates a flavor profile that’s absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients! You’ll find everything you need right here to create these mouthwatering keftedes.

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

One of the best things about Keftedes In Lemon Sauce is how flexible it is! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add some veggies: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini into the meatball mixture for added nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the mix for an extra kick!
• 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 both types of ground beef with minced onion, garlic, egg, crustless bread soaked in white grape juice, cumin, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it’s nicely combined. This step is essential because it ensures that every bite is packed with flavor!

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

With clean hands, form small balls from the mixture. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. Placing them on a plate will make it easier to transfer them into the pan later. This part can be quite fun – think of it as crafting little flavor bombs!

Step 3: Cook the Keftedes

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add your meatballs in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook them until they are golden brown on all sides; this step gives them that lovely crispy exterior while keeping them juicy inside.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Sauce

Once your meatballs are cooked through and removed from the skillet, melt butter in the same pan. Whisk in flour until smooth before slowly adding hot water or stock while constantly stirring. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it thicken slightly before adding lemon juice along with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return your keftedes back into the skillet with the lemon sauce. Let them simmer together for about 5 minutes; this allows all those flavors to meld beautifully. Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of oregano on top for that finishing touch! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

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

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and lemon juice will enhance the flavors of your meatballs, making them taste vibrant and lively.
• Don’t overmix the meat: When combining the ground beef, egg, and bread, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs instead of tender ones.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Before forming all the meatballs, cook a small patty to test the seasoning. This way, you can adjust salt and spices to your preference.
• Sear before simmering: Searing the meatballs in olive oil before adding them to the sauce creates a delicious crust that locks in moisture and adds depth of flavor.
• Let it rest: Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps them juicy when served.

How to Serve Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Presenting your Keftedes in lemon sauce beautifully can enhance the dining experience. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delicious dish!

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up your plate.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to add an extra zing of citrus if they desire.

Side Dishes

• Greek salad: A refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and feta (or vegan alternative) drizzled with olive oil complements the richness of the keftedes beautifully.
• Rice pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs and spices serves as a great base for soaking up any leftover lemon sauce from the meatballs.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots are colorful and healthy companions that add texture and flavor.
• Pita bread: Soft pita bread is perfect for scooping up meatballs or leftover sauce, making every bite even more enjoyable.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Keftedes in lemon sauce will not only taste amazing but also look inviting on your table! Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Keftedes in Lemon Sauce recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious Greek meatballs throughout the week. With a few simple storage methods, you can easily prepare ahead of time or save leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Ensure the lemon sauce is included to keep the meatballs moist.

Freezing

• Cool the meatballs and sauce to room temperature.
• Portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock if needed.
• Heat until warmed through, ensuring not to overcook.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Keftedes in Lemon Sauce.

How can I make Keftedes in Lemon Sauce healthier?

You can use leaner ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken. Additionally, consider using whole-grain bread for added fiber.

Can I make Keftedes in Lemon Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and lemon sauce a day in advance. Just store them separately and combine when ready to serve.

What should I serve with Keftedes in Lemon Sauce?

These flavorful meatballs pair wonderfully with rice, couscous, or a fresh salad. A side of roasted vegetables also complements their rich taste beautifully.

Is Keftedes in Lemon Sauce suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze Keftedes in Lemon Sauce! Just follow proper freezing instructions to maintain their quality.

How spicy is this recipe for Keftedes in Lemon Sauce?

This recipe is mild as it doesn’t include any spicy ingredients. However, feel free to add chopped chili peppers if you prefer some heat!

Final Thoughts

Keftedes in Lemon Sauce is truly a dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. The combination of juicy meatballs and zesty lemon sauce creates an unforgettable flavor experience that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. I hope you enjoy making this delightful recipe as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to share your results and variations – I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!