Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

The Keftedes In Lemon Sauce recipe features tender and juicy Greek meatballs that are sure to impress at any gathering. This dish combines the rich flavors of garlic and oregano with a zesty lemon sauce that elevates the meatballs to new heights. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, these meatballs are both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of garlic, oregano, and lemon creates a unique taste that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have this delightful dish ready in no time.
• Versatile Option: Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or even in a wrap for a delightful meal.
• Family-Friendly: These meatballs appeal to both kids and adults alike, making them great for family meals.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and flavor, this dish is wholesome without compromising on taste.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Frying pan
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without making a mess.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting the meatballs to achieve that lovely golden color.
• Frying pan: Ideal for sautéing ingredients like onions and garlic, enhancing their flavors.

Ingredients

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 teaspoon 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

How to Make Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, crustless bread, white grape juice, minced onion, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Sauce

In the same frying 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 and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Meatballs with Sauce

Return the browned meatballs to the frying pan with lemon sauce. Simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Enjoy your delicious Keftedes In Lemon Sauce!

How to Serve Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Keftedes in lemon sauce are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience.

With Rice

• Fluffy Rice: Serve the meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the tasty lemon sauce.
• Lemon Herb Rice: Prepare rice with lemon juice and fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost.

With Salad

• Greek Salad: Pair with a refreshing Greek salad for a light and vibrant meal.
• Cucumber Yogurt Salad: A creamy cucumber salad complements the zesty flavors of the meatballs.

As Appetizers

• Meatball Skewers: Serve bite-sized meatballs on skewers for easy snacking at gatherings.
• Lemon Dipping Sauce: Provide a side of lemony dipping sauce for added zest.

How to Perfect Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Perfecting your Keftedes in lemon sauce is all about technique and using quality ingredients. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices enhance the flavor of your meatballs significantly.
• Chill the Mixture: Allow the meat mixture to chill before forming meatballs; this helps them hold their shape better.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the meatballs tender.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your mixture before cooking and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed for optimal flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Pairing side dishes with Keftedes in lemon sauce can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful options.

1. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized provides a perfect balance.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa pilaf adds a healthy and hearty touch that complements the meatballs well.
3. Grilled Pita Bread: Warm pita bread makes for a great accompaniment, perfect for scooping up sauce.
4. Tzatziki Sauce: This yogurt-based dip adds creaminess and freshness, balancing the richness of the meatballs.
5. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic are always a comforting choice alongside meatballs.
6. Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans add color and crunch, making your plate visually appealing and nutritious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Keftedes In Lemon Sauce can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Using stale bread: Fresh bread helps bind the meatballs and keeps them moist. Ensure your bread is fresh or lightly toasted.
• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season properly can lead to bland meatballs. Use enough salt, pepper, and herbs for flavor.
• Overcrowding the pan: Cooking too many meatballs at once can cause steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches for the best texture.
• Not letting the sauce simmer: A quick cook on the sauce won’t develop the flavors. Let it simmer for a while to deepen the taste.
• Skipping the egg: The egg is essential for binding. Omitting it can result in crumbly meatballs that fall apart during cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Keftedes In Lemon Sauce in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warm.
• Stovetop: Simmer gently over medium heat until heated through; add a splash of water if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Keftedes In Lemon Sauce that might help you perfect your dish.

How do I make Keftedes In Lemon Sauce gluten-free?

You can substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread or breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

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

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative that will still yield delicious results in this recipe.

What should I serve with Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?

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

How can I customize my Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?

Feel free to experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil, or add grated vegetables like zucchini for added moisture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Keftedes In Lemon Sauce are not only juicy and flavorful but also versatile enough to suit any occasion. You can easily customize them with different spices or sides based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these delightful Greek meatballs at your next dinner!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Keftedes in Lemon Sauce are a delightful twist on traditional Greek meatballs, combining the rich flavors of ground beef with aromatic herbs and a zesty lemon sauce. These tender meatballs are enveloped in a creamy, tangy sauce that elevates their taste, making them perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to be served as an appetizer or main dish, Keftedes in Lemon Sauce will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Whether enjoyed over rice or alongside a refreshing salad, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 200 grams ground beef
• 400 grams lean ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 100 grams crustless bread
• 125 ml white grape juice
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups hot water or stock (vegetable, beef, or chicken)
• Juice of 8–10 lemons
• 100 grams onion (minced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• olive oil

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, bread, grape juice, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and cook meatballs in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, melt butter and stir in flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in hot water or stock until smooth; add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
5. Return meatballs to the pan with sauce and simmer for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 50mg