5.0 from 9 votes
Saucy Greek Lemon Meatballs (Keftedes)
Saucy Greek Lemon Meatballs, also known as Keftedes, are a delightful Mediterranean dish featuring ground meat mixed with herbs, spices and lemon zest! These tender meatballs are served with a tangy lemon sauce, making them a wonderful appetizer of main course!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 24 meatballs
Calories: 105 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Greek
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground lamb or pork
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small onion, peeled and shaved
- 1 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs + 4 egg yolks, divided
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 lemons, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/4 cup chicken broth
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Place the ground lamb and turkey in a large mixing bowl. Add the shaved onions, panko breadcrumbs, 2 eggs, chopped mint, chopped dill, Italian Seasoning, garlic powder, zest of 3 lemons, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper. Mix well by hand until the mixture is very smooth.
- Use a 3-tablespoon scoop to portion out 24 meatballs. Roll the balls to pack tightly.
- Place a 14-inch saute pan over medium heat. Add the oil. Once hot, add the meatballs to the skillet. Brown the meatballs for 10 minutes, turning them every minute, to cook evenly.
- Meanwhile, whisk 1/3 cup lemon juice, 4 egg yolks, chicken broth, and 1/2 teaspoon salt together. Pour the mixture over the meatballs and simmer another 3-5 minutes to thick the sauce. Shake the pan gently to stir the sauce as it simmers. Serve warm.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Serving
2meatballs
Calories
105kcal
(5%)
Carbohydrates
4g
(1%)
Protein
8g
(16%)
Fat
5g
(8%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Cholesterol
37mg
(12%)
Sodium
94mg
(4%)
Potassium
156mg
(4%)
Fiber
0g
(0%)
Sugar
0g
(0%)
Vitamin A
110IU
(2%)
Vitamin C
9.1mg
(10%)
Calcium
23mg
(2%)
Iron
0.9mg
(5%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 24meatballs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 105
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2meatballs | |
| Calories | 105kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 37mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 94mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 156mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 0g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 110IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 9.1mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 23mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.9mg | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.