The Keftedes In Lemon Sauce are a delightful Greek dish that combines the softest and juiciest meatballs with a tangy lemon sauce enriched with butter. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, these meatballs stand out because of their flavor and moist texture, making them a memorable addition to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these meatballs come together quickly.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, oregano, and lemon gives the dish a vibrant taste that will impress your guests.
- Versatile Dish: Serve them over rice, with pasta, or in a sandwich; they fit into many meal plans seamlessly.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making Keftedes In Lemon Sauce, gather your kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Frying pan: Essential for browning the meatballs evenly and developing rich flavors.
- Mixing bowl: Helps combine ingredients without any mess, ensuring an even mixture for your meatballs.
Ingredients
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 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
How to Make Keftedes In Lemon Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork and lean beef.
- Add in the minced onion, garlic, egg, crustless bread, white wine, cumin, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place them on a plate or tray as you prepare to cook.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs to the hot oil in batches. Cook until browned on all sides.
- Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate while you prepare the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Sauce
- In the same frying pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and whisk continuously until golden brown.
- Gradually add hot water or stock while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Once thickened, stir in lemon juice and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Combine Meatballs with Sauce
- Return cooked meatballs to the pan with lemon sauce.
- Allow them to simmer for about 10 minutes so they soak up all that delicious flavor before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Keftedes In Lemon Sauce as part of a delightful Greek-inspired meal!
How to Serve Keftedes In Lemon Sauce
Keftedes in lemon sauce is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its juicy meatballs and zesty sauce make it versatile enough for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Fresh Salad
- Greek Salad: Combine tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese for a refreshing side.
- Arugula Salad: Toss arugula with olive oil and lemon juice for a peppery contrast.
On Rice or Couscous
- Lemon Rice: Serve the meatballs over fluffy lemon-infused rice for added flavor.
- Couscous: Pair with light couscous seasoned with herbs for a Mediterranean touch.
With Pita Bread
- Warm Pita: Serve warm pita on the side to scoop up the meatballs and sauce.
- Stuffed Pita: Fill pita pockets with Keftedes and fresh veggies for a tasty wrap.
As an Appetizer
- Skewered Keftedes: Serve smaller versions on skewers with toothpicks for easy snacking.
- Meatball Sliders: Place Keftedes in mini buns for delicious sliders at your next gathering.
How to Perfect Keftedes In Lemon Sauce
To ensure your Keftedes in lemon sauce turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips. Small adjustments can make a big difference!
- Keep It Juicy: Use a mix of ground pork and beef for moisture and flavor.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and oregano to enhance taste.
- Don’t Skip the Soak: Soak the bread in white wine before mixing; this adds richness.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: Add more stock if the sauce is too thick; it should be pourable.
Best Side Dishes for Keftedes In Lemon Sauce
Keftedes in lemon sauce pairs well with various sides that complement its flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Tzatziki Sauce: This cool yogurt-based dip enhances the dish’s Mediterranean flair.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender add color and nutrition.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs create a hearty pairing.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing brings a nutty flavor contrast.
- Feta Cheese Dip: Creamy feta dip served with pita chips adds a savory element.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly charred asparagus brings brightness to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Keftedes In Lemon Sauce can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to keep in mind. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Using dry meat: Ensure your ground meat is fresh and moist for juicy meatballs. Overcooking them can lead to dryness.
- Skipping the breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture and keep the meatballs tender. Don’t skip this essential ingredient!
- Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning can result in bland meatballs. Taste the mixture before cooking and adjust the salt and spices as needed.
- Neglecting the sauce: The lemon sauce is key to this dish’s flavor. Make sure to incorporate it properly for that delightful tang.
- Cooking at too high a temperature: Cooking on high heat can cause the outside to burn while leaving the inside undercooked. Use medium heat for even cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Keftedes In Lemon Sauce in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Keftedes In Lemon Sauce
- Freeze in a sealed freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Keftedes In Lemon Sauce
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Keftedes In Lemon Sauce:
What kind of meat is best for Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?
A mix of ground pork and lean ground beef works well, providing great flavor and texture.
Can I make Keftedes In Lemon Sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer until ready to cook.
How do I know when Keftedes are fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). A meat thermometer can help ensure they are cooked safely.
What can I serve with Keftedes In Lemon Sauce?
These meatballs pair nicely with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh Greek salad.
Final Thoughts
Keftedes In Lemon Sauce offers a delightful blend of flavors that are sure to please everyone at your table. Their versatility allows you to customize spices or add herbs according to your taste. Give this recipe a try for a cozy meal that brings comfort and joy!
Keftedes In Lemon Sauce
Keftedes In Lemon Sauce are a classic Greek dish that brings together tender, juicy meatballs and a zesty lemon-infused sauce, creating a vibrant flavor profile that will delight your taste buds. These savory meatballs are made with a mix of ground pork and beef, seasoned with garlic and herbs, then simmered in a rich lemon sauce enriched with butter. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to serve with rice, pasta, or even in pita bread. With its comforting flavors and simple ingredients, Keftedes In Lemon Sauce will quickly become a favorite in your household.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
- 200g ground pork
- 400g lean ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 100g crustless bread
- 125ml (½ cup) white wine
- 100g 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)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (500ml) hot water or stock (vegetable, beef, or chicken stock)
- 8-10 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, lean beef, minced onion, garlic, egg, crustless bread, white wine, cumin, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into small balls (1 inch in diameter).
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook meatballs until browned on all sides; transfer to a plate.
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until golden brown. Gradually add hot water or stock while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Stir in lemon juice and return meatballs to the pan; let simmer for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (150g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
