Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

The Keftedes In Lemon Sauce is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Greece straight to your table. These soft and juicy meatballs are smothered in a rich lemon sauce, making them perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to festive gatherings. Enhanced with garlic and dried oregano, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and robust flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Delight: The combination of ground pork and beef creates a unique texture and taste that is both savory and satisfying.
• Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious meatballs ready to cook without any hassle.
• Versatile Dish: Serve Keftedes In Lemon Sauce as a main course, or pair them with pasta or rice for a complete meal.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 15 meatballs in one batch, they are ideal for gatherings or meal prep throughout the week.
• Health-Conscious Option: Low in calories yet high in flavor, this dish fits well into various dietary plans.

Tools and Preparation

To make Keftedes In Lemon Sauce, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Frying pan: Essential for cooking the meatballs evenly while allowing the lemon sauce to simmer beautifully.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution.

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 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 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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

this recipe

How to Make Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork and lean ground beef.
2. Add minced onion, garlic, egg, crustless bread, white wine, ground cumin, dried oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

1. Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Place the formed meatballs on a plate as you continue shaping.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

1. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
2. Add meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding.
3. Cook until golden brown on all sides; approximately 10 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Sauce

1. In another pan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in flour to create a roux; cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden.
3. Gradually whisk in hot water or stock until smooth; bring to a simmer.
4. Slowly add lemon juice along with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Meatballs with Sauce

1. Once cooked, transfer meatballs into the sauce.
2. Simmer together for an additional 10–15 minutes so flavors meld.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
2. Enjoy your Keftedes In Lemon Sauce warm with your choice of side!

How to Serve Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Keftedes in lemon sauce are a delightful Greek dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a cozy family meal, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Rice

• Fluffy Rice: Serve the meatballs over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the tangy lemon sauce.

With Pita Bread

• Warm Pita: Offer warm pita bread on the side for a delightful way to scoop up the meatballs and sauce.

Over Salad

• Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp Greek salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese for a refreshing contrast.

With Pasta

• Lemon Pasta: Serve alongside lemon-infused pasta to complement the zesty flavor of the meatballs.

As Appetizers

• Small Bites: Present them as bite-sized appetizers at parties. They are perfect for sharing!

How to Perfect Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

To achieve the softest and juiciest keftedes, follow these essential tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Do Not Overmix: Gently mix the ingredients; overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
• Chill Before Cooking: Letting the meat mixture chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes helps them hold their shape during cooking.
• Monitor Heat Levels: Cook on medium heat to ensure even cooking without burning.
• Adjust Lemon Juice: Taste your sauce as you go, adjusting lemon juice for personal tanginess preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

Keftedes in lemon sauce pair wonderfully with an array of side dishes. Here are some great options to consider when planning your meal.

1. Greek Tzatziki: This yogurt-based dip adds a creamy texture and cool flavor that balances the meatballs’ zest.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil bring additional nutrition and flavor to your plate.
3. Hummus: A smooth chickpea dip that complements the keftedes beautifully, making it perfect for spreading on pita or veggies.
4. Spanakopita: These savory spinach pies offer flaky pastry that pairs well with the juicy meatballs.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs and lemon gives a healthy twist while enhancing your meal’s fresh flavors.
6. Feta Cheese Platter: A simple platter with feta cheese, olives, and cherry tomatoes adds Mediterranean flair to your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Keftedes In Lemon Sauce, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the soaking step: Not soaking the crustless bread can lead to dry meatballs. Make sure to soak it in water or wine for better moisture.
• Overmixing the meat: Mixing the meat too much can make your keftedes tough. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
• Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning can result in bland meatballs. Taste your mixture and adjust salt and spices before cooking.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold meat and eggs can affect the texture of your Keftedes In Lemon Sauce. Bring them to room temperature before mixing.
• Ignoring cooking time: Overcooking can dry out your meatballs while undercooking poses food safety risks. Use a timer and check doneness carefully.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Keftedes In Lemon Sauce in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow the dish to cool down before sealing it to prevent condensation.

Freezing Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

• Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the keftedes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place keftedes on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 2-3 minutes, checking every minute until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add keftedes and a splash of water or stock, cover, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?

Keftedes In Lemon Sauce are Greek meatballs made from ground pork and beef, flavored with garlic and herbs, then served in a tangy lemon sauce.

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

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute crustless bread with gluten-free breadcrumbs or use ground oats as a binder.

Can I use different meats for Keftedes?

Yes! You can mix different types of ground meats like lamb or turkey for varied flavors in your Keftedes In Lemon Sauce.

What should I serve with Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?

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

Final Thoughts

Keftedes In Lemon Sauce offers a delightful blend of flavors that make it an appealing dish for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to impress family and friends!

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Keftedes In Lemon Sauce

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 15 servings 1x

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Description

Keftedes In Lemon Sauce is a traditional Greek dish that elevates any meal with its vibrant flavors and simple preparation. These succulent meatballs, made from a perfect blend of ground pork and beef, are bathed in a zesty lemon sauce enriched with garlic and oregano. Ideal for family dinners or festive gatherings, this dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or warm pita bread, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. With only 15 minutes of prep time and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a delightful culinary experience that will impress your guests and satisfy your craving for authentic Mediterranean cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 200 grams ground pork
• 400 grams lean ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 100 grams crustless bread
• 125 ml white wine
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 8–10 tablespoons lemon juice
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, beef, minced onion, garlic, egg, bread, white wine, spices, salt, and pepper. Mix until blended.
2. Shape into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place on a plate.
3. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches until golden brown on all sides.
4. In another pan, melt butter to make a roux with flour; whisk in hot water or stock until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and season.
5. Combine cooked meatballs with the sauce and simmer together for 10–15 minutes.
6. Serve warm garnished with fresh parsley.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 104
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 175mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Opt for fresh herbs for enhanced flavor. Chill the meat mixture before cooking to maintain shape. Adjust lemon juice based on your taste preference.