Description
Tender Greek meatballs simmered in a rich and tangy lemon-egg sauce a comforting traditional dish known as Youvarlakia Avgolemono, perfect for cozy nights or family dinners.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef or lamb
1/3 cup uncooked white rice
1 small onion, finely grated
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (optional)
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp olive oil
For the Lemon Sauce:
2 large eggs
2 lemons, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, rice, grated onion, parsley, dill, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
2. Shape mixture into small meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
3. In a large pot, bring chicken broth and olive oil to a simmer.
4. Carefully add the meatballs to the broth. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30–35 minutes, until cooked through and rice is tender.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and lemon juice together until smooth.
6. Gradually ladle 1 cup of hot broth into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper.
7. Slowly pour the lemon mixture back into the pot with meatballs, stirring gently over very low heat until the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Do not boil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
9. Serve warm with extra dill or lemon zest.
Notes
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken.
Serve with warm pita bread or over rice for a complete meal.
The lemon-egg sauce should be silky — avoid boiling after adding it to keep it smooth.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Greek meatballs, Youvarlakia Avgolemono, lemon sauce, comfort food, Mediterranean recipe