Go Back

Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce (Youvarlakia Avgolemono)

Pillowy-soft meatballs gently simmered in a silky, tangy lemon sauce. Classic Mediterranean comfort food with melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 295

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or mix of beef and pork
  • 1 small onion finely grated
  • 1/4 cup arborio rice uncooked, rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
  • 3 large eggs 1 for meatballs, 2 for sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste
  • 4 cups chicken broth unsalted or low-sodium
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice from about 2 lemons

Equipment

  • Large wide pot or deep skillet with lid
  • large bowl
  • whisk
  • ladle
  • Tray for chilling meatballs

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, uncooked rinsed rice, chopped parsley and dill, one egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly with your hands until evenly incorporated.
  2. Form mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on a tray. Chill meatballs in refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
  3. Bring chicken broth and olive oil to a gentle simmer in large wide pot. Add chilled meatballs carefully to the broth.
  4. Cover and cook over low heat for about 30 minutes until rice is tender and meatballs are fully cooked.
  5. In a bowl, whisk 2 eggs and gradually add lemon juice while continuing to whisk.
  6. Slowly temper the egg-lemon mixture by adding a ladle of hot broth while whisking constantly. Continue adding broth gradually until mixture is warm.
  7. Pour tempered mixture back into pot with meatballs, stirring gently. Heat over very low heat until sauce thickens slightly. Do not boil or eggs will curdle.
  8. Serve warm with fresh herbs and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Rice must be uncooked when mixed into meatballs. Rinse rice to remove excess starch. Do not boil avgolemono sauce or it will curdle. Use wide pot for best results. Temper egg-lemon mixture slowly to prevent curdling.
QR Code linking back to recipe