Meatballs in lemon sauce

Lemon Sauce Meatballs - a delicious and comforting recipe, perfect for family meals or a dinner with friends. These juicy meatballs, enriched with the fresh flavors of lemon and spices, will transport you to a world of refined and vibrant tastes.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

For the meatballs
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 large onion, grated
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg

For the sauce
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (an oriental spice that gives the sauce a yellow hue)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (you can use broth from powder diluted in warm water)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt, pepper to taste
- Sugar, if needed

Preparation of the meatballs

1. Meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, crushed garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, and chopped parsley. Add two tablespoons of oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Use your hands to mix the ingredients well until all flavors are evenly combined. It is very important that each ingredient is well distributed to achieve juicy and flavorful meatballs.

2. Resting the mixture: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for one hour. This step allows the flavors to develop and makes the mixture easier to shape.

3. Forming the meatballs: After the mixture has rested in the refrigerator, remove the bowl and shape the meatballs to your desired size. You can use a spoon or do this manually to achieve an even shape.

4. Frying the meatballs: In a deep skillet, add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Heat the oil over medium heat and fry the meatballs until they become golden on the outside, about 3-5 minutes on each side. It is not necessary for them to be fully cooked at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the sauce.

Preparation of the sauce

1. Sautéing the onion: In the same skillet where you fried the meatballs, add a little oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it becomes golden. This process will add sweetness to the sauce.

2. Adding the garlic: Once the onion is cooked, add the crushed garlic and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.

3. Creating the sauce: Sprinkle turmeric over the onion and garlic, mixing well to release the flavors. Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, allowing the sauce to come to a boil. When it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low.

4. Cooking the meatballs in the sauce: Place the fried meatballs in the sauce in a single layer. Cover the skillet and let them simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. It is essential that the sauce reduces a little, but remains sufficient to accompany the meatballs. Taste the sauce and adjust with salt, pepper, or if it is too sour, a teaspoon of sugar can work wonders, balancing the flavors.

Serving

These lemon sauce meatballs are delicious served warm, alongside steaming polenta. Arrange the meatballs on plates and pour the rich sauce over them. You can also add a few fresh parsley leaves for a more appealing look.

Tips and variations

- Meat variations: You can experiment with ground chicken or pork for a lighter version of the recipe.
- Spices: If you want to add a touch of spiciness, you can include hot paprika or ground pepper in the meat mixture.
- Yogurt sauce: A delicious alternative is to serve the meatballs with a garlic and mint yogurt sauce, which will add a refreshing note.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of lemon sauce meatballs contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil and the chosen sides. These meatballs are rich in protein due to the beef and contain fiber from the vegetables, making them a balanced choice.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I make the meatballs in advance? Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day ahead and keep them in the refrigerator. You can reheat them in the lemon sauce before serving.
2. What sides go well with this recipe? Polenta is a classic choice, but simply mashed potatoes or a summer salad will perfectly complement this dish.
3. Can I freeze the meatballs? Yes, the meatballs can be frozen. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

A personal note

I fondly remember the moments spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, who used to prepare these meatballs every time we gathered at the table. The aroma of lemon and spices filled the house, and every bite felt like a warm hug. I recommend trying this recipe with your loved ones, creating beautiful memories around the table.

This lemon sauce meatball recipe is not only easy to make but also full of flavors that will delight your taste buds. So, get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones!

 Ingredients: ptr 6 servings 500 g ground beef 1 large onion - grated 3-4 cloves of garlic 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 1 egg 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons of oil salt, pepper, a pinch of nutmeg ptr sauce 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 cloves of garlic 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (it is an oriental spice that makes the sauce yellow) 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (can be made from soup powder with warm water). juice from 1/2 lemon salt, pepper to taste if needed a little sugar