Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Name: Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 14 ounces lean ground beef; 1 large egg; 3.5 ounces crustless bread; 0.5 cup white wine (No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.); 0.5 cup minced onion; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 teaspoons dried parsley or fresh minced; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 0.5 teaspoon ground pepper; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups hot water or stock; 8 tablespoons lemon juice

Introduction to Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce

Greek meatballs in lemon sauce, known as Soutzouk Loukou, are a delightful and savory dish that combines the rich flavors of beef with a zesty lemon sauce. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also provides a comforting meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The juiciness of the meatballs paired with the tangy sauce makes for a dish that is sure to impress your friends and loved ones.

A Personal Story Behind My Greek Meatballs Journey

Growing up, my family often gathered for Sunday dinners, where my grandmother would make her famous meatballs. The aroma of spices and lemon filled the kitchen, creating an atmosphere of warmth and love. This recipe is inspired by those cherished memories and aims to bring the same joy and comfort to your home.

What Makes This Greek Meatballs Recipe Special?

This recipe stands out due to its unique flavor combination of ground beef infused with aromatic spices and the refreshing brightness of lemon. The meatballs are tender, juicy, and perfectly paired with the rich lemon sauce, which elevates the dish to a new level. Additionally, this recipe is versatile; it can be served over pasta, rice, or simply with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

The Full Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

14 ounces (400 grams) lean ground beef
1 large egg

3.5 ounces (100 grams) crustless bread
½ cup (125 ml) white wine
½ cup (100 grams) minced onion

4 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano + extra for serving

2 teaspoons dried parsley or fresh minced
1 teaspoon fine sea salt + extra for the sauce
½ teaspoon ground pepper + extra 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

Instructions

Soak the crustless bread in white wine for a few minutes until soft, then tear it into smaller pieces.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, parsley, oregano, cumin, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and the soaked bread. Crumble the bread well into the mixture.

Knead the meatball mixture until it is uniform. Shape it into 15 oval meatballs, approximately 65-70 grams each, and place them on a plate. Refrigerate for about an hour to firm up the meatballs.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs on both sides until they are browned. Avoid flipping them for the first 4 minutes to achieve a nice crust. Use two forks to turn them gently.
Once browned, transfer the meatballs to paper towels to drain excess oil, and prepare the sauce.

For the sauce, melt the butter in a sauté pan over moderate heat. Add the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until it turns sandy in color and becomes fragrant.
Gradually pour in the hot water or stock and lemon juice, stirring well to combine.
Add the meatballs back into the sauce, cover with a lid, and let them simmer for about 20 minutes, turning them once and scraping the pan to prevent sticking. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Serve warm, garnished with freshly ground pepper and a sprinkle of dried oregano on top.

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce

These Greek meatballs can be served over your favorite pasta or rice, making them a hearty main course. Alternatively, enjoy them with crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon sauce. You can also experiment with variations by adding different herbs or spices, such as mint or thyme, to the meat mixture or sauce to customize the flavor to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before cooking.

Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, these meatballs freeze well. Simply cook them as directed, let them cool, and then freeze them in an airtight container. To reheat, simply thaw and warm them in the sauce on the stovetop.

What can I serve with Greek meatballs?
Aside from pasta or rice, consider serving these meatballs with a fresh Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or even a side of tzatziki sauce for an extra flavor boost.