Meatballs In Lemon Sauce (Greek Keftedes)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe Perfect balance of savory and citrusy flavors. Juicy meatballs made with a blend of beef and pork. A silky lemon-butter sauce that pairs beautifully with rice, potatoes, or crusty bread. Family-friendly and great for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Can be made ahead and reheated without losing flavor or texture. Ingredients (Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.) 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, plus extra to serve 2 teaspoons dried parsley or fresh minced 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus extra for the sauce ½ teaspoon ground pepper, plus 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) 8–10 tablespoons lemon juice Directions Soak the bread in white wine for a few minutes, then crumble it. In a bowl, combine ground pork, ground beef, egg, parsley, oregano, cumin, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the soaked bread. Knead until the mixture is uniform. Shape into 15 oval-shaped meatballs (about 65–70 grams each). Refrigerate for 1 hour. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sear meatballs on both sides until browned, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook 2–3 minutes until sandy in color. Slowly whisk in hot stock and lemon juice. Taste and adjust lemon to preference. Add meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer 20 minutes, turning once and scraping the bottom to prevent sticking. Serve warm, topped with extra oregano and freshly ground pepper. Servings and timing This recipe makes about 15 meatballs, serving 4–5 people. Prep time: 20 minutes Chill time: 1 hour Cook time: 30 minutes Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes Variations Use chicken or turkey instead of beef and pork for a lighter version. Swap white wine with milk for a milder flavor. Add fresh dill or mint to the meat mixture for extra freshness. For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of cream or Greek yogurt at the end. Make mini keftedes for appetizers or party platters. Storage/Reheating Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce. For longer storage, freeze meatballs without sauce for up to 2 months, then reheat in fresh lemon sauce before serving. FAQs Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying? Yes, bake them at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking. Do I have to use both pork and beef? No, you can use just beef or pork, but the mix provides better flavor and juiciness. Can I make the sauce without flour? Yes, you can thicken the sauce with cornstarch instead, whisked with cold water before adding. How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart? Chilling them for an hour before cooking helps them hold their shape. Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time? Yes, shape them and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking. How much lemon juice should I use? Start with 6–8 tablespoons and add more to taste; Greeks traditionally prefer it very lemony. What side dishes go well with keftedes in lemon sauce? They pair well with rice, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Can I use fresh bread instead of dried bread crumbs? Yes, the recipe uses fresh crustless bread soaked in wine, which adds moisture and flavor. Can I freeze the meatballs in sauce? It’s better to freeze them without sauce, as the sauce can separate when thawed. Is this dish kid-friendly? Yes, just reduce the lemon juice slightly if your kids prefer a milder flavor. Conclusion Keftedes in lemon sauce is a comforting Greek classic that blends juicy, herb-seasoned meatballs with a velvety lemon-butter sauce. Perfect for family meals or entertaining, it brings the flavors of Greece to your table with ease. Whether served with rice, potatoes, or bread, this dish is sure to become a favorite.