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Meatballs In Lemon Sauce (Greek Keftedes)

Tender Meatballs In Lemon Sauce (Greek Keftedes) Delight

Meatballs In Lemon Sauce (Greek Keftedes) are a quick, flavorful dish combining moist meatballs and zesty lemon sauce, perfect for dinner.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Essential for frying; brings a rich flavor.
  • 200 grams Ground Pork Substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • 400 grams Lean Ground Beef A mix of ground chicken can lighten the meatballs.
  • 100 grams Crustless Bread Can be swapped with gluten-free bread.
  • 125 ml White Wine Used for soaking bread; milk can replace for non-alcoholic.
  • 100 grams Minced Onion Shallots can work for a milder flavor.
  • 4 cloves Minced Garlic Adjust to taste.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Cumin Offers an earthy flavor; optional.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Fresh oregano can be used in larger quantities.
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Parsley Use fresh parsley or skip if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt Adjust to liking.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Pepper Adds a touch of heat; use to taste.
For The Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Brings richness to the sauce.
  • 4 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Consider gluten-free flour if needed.
  • 2 cups Hot Water or Stock Chicken stock will deepen the flavor.
  • 8-10 tablespoons Lemon Juice Adjust based on taste.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • saucepan

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Soak the crustless bread in white wine until soft. Combine all meatball ingredients in a bowl, knead, and form into 15 meatballs. Refrigerate for about an hour.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate to drain.
  3. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour until golden brown. Gradually add hot water or stock, whisk until smooth. Stir in lemon juice to taste.
  4. Return the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally to coat in sauce.
  5. Remove from heat, garnish with pepper and oregano. Serve warm with sides like potato wedges or salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 4meatballsCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow meatball mixture to rest in the refrigerator before cooking for better shape. Avoid overcrowding the skillet while searing to ensure even cooking. Adjust lemon juice gradually to find the desired acidity.

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