Let your taste buds journey to the heart of Greece with a delightful dish that combines the savory goodness of meatballs with the refreshing zest of lemons. Keftedes In Lemon Sauce are juicy meatballs that bring the essence of Greek cuisine to your table, famed for their exquisite flavor and tantalizing tenderness. Imagine biting into these perfectly seasoned morsels, drenched in a buttery, tangy lemon sauce that amplifies each flavor profile. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience—a delightful blend of textures and tastes that showcase the beauty of Mediterranean cooking.
The allure of these meatballs lies not only in their rich taste but also in their simplicity. Made from a mix of pork and lean beef, the keftedes are seasoned with a perfect combination of herbs and spices, creating an aromatic symphony in every bite. The process of soaking the bread in wine adds a subtle depth of flavor, ensuring a moist and tender texture. Each meatball is a bundle of joy, oozing with succulent juices that make every mouthful wonderfully satisfying.
Meanwhile, the lemon sauce offers a refreshing contrast. Prepared with a buttery roux enriched with fresh lemon juice, it is vibrant, tart, and simply irresistible. It’s the kind of sauce that demands crusty bread for dipping, allowing you to savor every drop. Combining the keftedes with this sauce turns the meal into a true celebration of flavors. Whether you’re a fan of hearty meat dishes or love a good citrusy kick, Keftedes In Lemon Sauce promises to be a formidable addition to your recipe repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Keftedes In Lemon Sauce
- Flavor Explosion: A delightful medley of spices and herbs enriched with a bright lemony sauce.
- Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy items, just everyday ingredients creating extraordinary flavors.
- Versatile: Pairs well with grains like rice or pasta, or serves beautifully with just a salad.
- Comfort in a Bite: Perfect for family dinners or a show-stopping dish for guests.
- Nutrient-Rich: A healthy blend of protein, creating a balanced and filling meal.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into making your scrumptious Keftedes In Lemon Sauce, it’s essential to set the stage for an effortless cooking experience. Start by ensuring your kitchen is well-organized and all ingredients are prepped in advance. Clear your countertops and allocate a dedicated workspace for meatball preparation. Have your measuring cups, bowls, and mixing tools ready to seamlessly combine the flavors without the hassle.
The tools you’ll need include a large bowl for mixing your meatball ingredients and a reliable skillet for frying them to perfection. A sharp knife will come in handy for mincing onions and garlic, while a small bowl is necessary for soaking and breaking down the bread in wine. For the sauce, a medium saucepan and a whisk will help you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Lastly, a ladle and a sturdy spatula will assist in transferring and stirring your keftedes as they simmer blissfully in that luscious lemon sauce.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 200g (7 oz) ground pork
- 400g (14 oz) lean ground beef
- 100g (½ cup) minced onion
- 100g (3.5 oz) crustless bread
- 125ml (½ cup) white wine
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano (plus more to serve)
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp dried parsley (or fresh, finely chopped)
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- Olive oil, for frying
- For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 500ml (2 cups) hot stock (vegetable, beef, or chicken)
- 8–10 tbsp fresh lemon juice (adjust to taste)
- Extra salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Meatballs
To start, ensure your preparation is thorough by soaking the bread slices in white wine until they are softened. Once soaked, tear them into small pieces and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, blend the ground pork and beef, integrating the egg, minced onion, finely chopped garlic, and the soaked bread bits. Sprinkle in the oregano, parsley, cumin, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, combine the mixture thoroughly until each ingredient is evenly distributed, forming a homogeneous mixture. Shape the mixture into 15 uniform oval meatballs, approximately 65-70g each, and refrigerate them for about an hour to enhance firmness.
Step 2: Cooking the Meatballs
After chilling, it’s time to infuse these meatballs with a golden crust. Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the meatballs gently and sear them on all sides, refraining from moving them in the first few minutes to ensure a beautiful browning. Continue turning the meatballs until they are evenly browned. Remove them from the skillet and allow any excess oil to drain on paper towels. This step is essential in locking in the juices and enhancing the flavor profile of the meatballs.
Step 3: Crafting the Lemon Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Slowly stir in the flour, allowing it to cook for about 2-3 minutes until it develops a rich golden hue and emits a nutty aroma. Gradually whisk in the hot stock, followed by the zesty addition of lemon juice. Maintain a steady stir to ensure the sauce achieves a smooth, luscious texture. Season with additional salt and pepper to suit your taste preferences.
Step 4: Simmering to Perfection
With your captivating lemon sauce ready, gently nestle the browned meatballs into it. Cover the pan with a lid and allow the keftedes to simmer softly for around 20 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to make sure they soak up all those delightful flavors. The result will be succulent meatballs imbibed with the citrusy essence of the lemon sauce.
Step 5: Serving Your Dish
Upon completion, sprinkle some extra dried oregano and freshly ground pepper on top for an aromatic garnish. Serve these tender meatballs warm, complete with a side of crusty bread or your preferred accompaniment to make the most of this mouthwatering lemon broth.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute pork or beef with lamb for a distinct, robust flavor commonly found in traditional Greek cuisine.
- Vegetables: Incorporate finely grated carrots or zucchini into the meatball mix for added moisture and nutrients.
- Spices: Experiment with smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat and smokiness.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the breadcrumbs are well soaked in wine for enhanced flavor and tenderness in the meatballs.
- Adjust the lemon juice to your desired level of tanginess, keeping in mind that fresh lemons vary in acidity.
- If using fresh herbs, double the quantity used for dried herbs to ensure the desired flavor intensity.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with your preferred gluten-free alternative when making the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a classic Greek salad, loaded with fresh greens, tomatoes, and feta for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve alongside fluffy basmati rice or pasta to complement the zesty lemon sauce effortlessly.
- Warm pita bread can be an excellent accompaniment, perfect for scooping up all that delicious sauce.
Tips
- For added depth of flavor, let the meatball mixture rest overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Always taste-test the lemon sauce before final seasoning to perfect the balance of flavors.
- Utilize a high-quality olive oil for frying as it not only enhances flavor but provides key nutrients.
- Make these meatballs in bulk and freeze any extras for a future quick meal idea!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fats: 20g
FAQs
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the meatball mixture and refrigerate it overnight for even better flavor. You can also freeze rolled raw meatballs and cook them at your convenience.
What can I use instead of white wine?
If you prefer avoiding alcohol, substitute white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a similar depth of flavor.
Is there a substitute for fresh lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice is preferred for its brightness and flavor, bottled lemon juice can work as a substitute, though you might need to adjust the amount to match desired acidity.
How do I thicken the lemon sauce?
If your lemon sauce is thinner than desired, allow it to simmer gently until it reaches your preferred consistency, or incorporate a small amount of flour mixed with water to thicken it incrementally.
Conclusion
Embrace the flavors of the Mediterranean with Keftedes In Lemon Sauce, a dish that promises not only a meal but a memorable culinary journey. These juicy Greek meatballs surrounded by a vibrant lemon sauce are sure to become a favorite at your dining table. Their simplicity, along with the profound, traditional flavors, showcases Greek cuisine’s earthy heart and soul. Whether you’re serving it at a bustling family dinner or a relaxing evening for two, this recipe guarantees an enriched dining experience.
Don’t shy away from customizing it to your liking; a dash of extra herbs or a twist of spice can make this dish uniquely yours. Try pairing it with your choice of sides or create your own variation to share with loved ones. The beauty of this recipe goes beyond technique, inviting you to mold it and savor it in any way you desire. Share your culinary journey and experiences in the comments below. We’d love to hear how your variations turned out!
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Keftedes In Lemon Sauce
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy Greek meatballs drenched in a buttery, tangy lemon sauce that amplifies each flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 200g (7 oz) ground pork
- 400g (14 oz) lean ground beef
- 100g (½ cup) minced onion
- 100g (3.5 oz) crustless bread
- 125ml (½ cup) white wine
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- Olive oil, for frying
- For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 500ml (2 cups) hot stock
- 8–10 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Extra salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Soak bread slices in white wine until softened, then tear into pieces.
- In a bowl, mix ground pork, beef, egg, onion, garlic, soaked bread, and spices. Form into 15 meatballs; refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Heat oil in skillet, brown meatballs on all sides; drain on paper towels.
- In saucepan, melt butter, stir in flour for 2-3 minutes, whisk in stock and lemon juice; season.
- Nestle browned meatballs in sauce, simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve the meatballs warm with a garnish of oregano and pepper.
Notes
Adjust the lemon juice to your desired tanginess. Ensure the bread is well soaked for tenderness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Protein: 15 g