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Greek Keftedes

Delicious Greek Keftedes: Savory Meatballs in Zesty Sauce

Try these Greek Keftedes, savory meatballs bursting with Mediterranean flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Pork Can substitute with ground turkey
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Can substitute with ground lamb
  • 1 large Egg A flaxseed egg works as a vegan substitute
  • 1 slice Crustless Bread Use gluten-free bread if needed
  • 1 medium Onion (Minced) Shallots can be used as a milder alternative
  • 3 cloves Garlic (Minced) Use fresh garlic for best flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin Can substitute with coriander
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Oregano Adjust if using fresh
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Parsley Fresh minced parsley can be used
  • 1 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt Kosher salt can be used
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Adjust according to taste
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Can substitute with olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Cornstarch serves as a gluten-free alternative
  • 2 cups Hot Water/Stock Any type of stock works
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Fresh lemon juice is vital for flavor

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Directions
  1. Begin by soaking the crustless bread in white wine for about 10 minutes until softened.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the soaked bread with ground pork, lean ground beef, egg, minced onion, garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated, then form the mixture into 15 oval meatballs. Refrigerate them for 1 hour to help firm up the shape.
  3. In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the refrigerated Greek Keftedes to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden-brown.
  4. In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until sandy, then stir in hot water or stock along with lemon juice. Continue stirring until thickened.
  5. Add the cooked meatballs back into the creamy lemon sauce and simmer gently for 20 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and serve warm, garnished with black pepper and dried oregano.

Nutrition

Serving: 3meatballsCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best effects, chill the meat mixture before cooking and use fresh ingredients to elevate flavors.

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