Dive into the heart of Greek cuisine with the comforting and flavorful Youvarlakia Avgolemono, a delightful meatball soup that promises to warm your soul! This traditional dish combines tender meatballs, infused with fragrant herbs and spices, swimming in a luscious, tangy avgolemono broth that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience steeped in rich flavors and history. Ready to impress your loved ones and bring a taste of Greece to your table? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, uncooked rice, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Wet your hands with cold water to prevent sticking, then shape the meat mixture into small, uniform meatballs approximately 1-
- 5 inches in diameter.
- Pour chicken broth into a large pot and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Carefully add the prepared meatballs to the broth, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
- Cover the pot and let the meatballs cook slowly for 35-40 minutes, maintaining a low simmer. The rice inside the meatballs will cook and the meat will become tender.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and lemon juice to prepare the avgolemono sauce. Temper the mixture by slowly adding a ladle of hot broth while continuously whisking to prevent curdling.
- Remove the pot from heat and slowly stir the tempered egg-lemon mixture into the soup, creating a creamy, tangy broth.
- Let the soup rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley, accompanied by crusty bread or rice.
Tips
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use fresh ground beef and high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. You can also experiment with ground lamb for a different twist!
- Don’t Rush the Meatballs: When mixing the meatball ingredients, take your time to ensure everything is well combined. This will help the meatballs hold together during cooking.
- Prevent Sticking: Wetting your hands before shaping the meatballs will prevent them from sticking to your fingers, making the process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Simmer Gently: Keep the broth at a gentle simmer while cooking the meatballs. A rolling boil can cause them to break apart, so patience is key!
- Temper Your Eggs: When preparing the avgolemono sauce, tempering the egg mixture with hot broth is essential to avoid curdling. Whisk continuously as you add the broth to create a silky texture.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the soup before serving. You can enhance the flavor with a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, or even a bit more lemon juice for added zing.
- Serve with Style: Garnish your soup with extra chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Pair it with crusty bread or a side of rice to soak up the delicious broth!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
