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Keftedes In Lemon Sauce Recipe

Keftedes In Lemon Sauce Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 16 reviews

Keftedes in Lemon Sauce is a traditional Greek dish featuring tender meatballs made from a blend of ground pork and beef, seasoned with herbs and spices, and simmered in a tangy lemon butter sauce. This comforting and aromatic recipe combines the savory flavors of meatballs with the bright freshness of lemon, creating a perfect dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 200 grams (7 ounces) ground pork
  • 400 grams (14 ounces) 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, plus extra for serving
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley or fresh minced parsley
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus extra for the sauce
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper, plus extra for the sauce
  • Olive oil, for frying

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 fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread: Tear the crustless bread into smaller pieces and soak it in the white wine for a couple of minutes until softened.
  2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, egg, minced onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and the soaked bread. Crumble the bread as much as possible into the mixture.
  3. Knead the Mixture: Knead the meatball mixture thoroughly until uniform and evenly combined.
  4. Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into 15 oval-shaped meatballs, each approximately 65-70 grams, and place them on a large plate. Refrigerate for about an hour to firm up.
  5. Sear the Meatballs: Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a large skillet or non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Sear the meatballs on both sides, allowing at least 4 minutes before flipping to develop color and crust. Use two forks to turn them carefully.
  6. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the meatballs and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
  7. Make the Lemon Sauce: In a sauté pan, melt the butter over moderate heat. Add the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously with a wooden spatula until the mixture turns sandy in color and smells toasted.
  8. Add Liquid and Lemon Juice: Gradually pour in the hot water or stock along with the lemon juice while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
  9. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Add the meatballs back into the sauce. Cover with a lid and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, turning the meatballs once and scraping the pan occasionally to prevent sticking.
  10. Serve: Serve the keftedes warm, garnished with freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkle of dried oregano.

Notes

  • Using a mixture of ground pork and beef gives the meatballs a balanced flavor and texture.
  • Soaking bread in white wine adds moisture and subtle flavor to the meatballs.
  • Be careful when searing the meatballs to develop a good crust without breaking them.
  • Adjust the lemon juice amount according to your preferred level of tanginess.
  • You can substitute stock with water, but stock will enhance the flavor of the sauce.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek meatballs, Keftedes, lemon sauce, traditional Greek recipe, meatballs in lemon sauce, comfort food, Mediterranean cuisine

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/keftedes-in-lemon-sauce-recipe/