Mediterranean Magic: Greek Youvarlakia Recipe

Youvarlakia Recipe: A Flavorful Greek Delight 🇬🇷

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to Greece with this delightful recipe for Youvarlakia, shared with love from lovewithrecipes.com. Bursting with Mediterranean flavors and aromatic spices, these tender meatballs simmered in a savory tomato sauce will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece. 🌞

Recipe Overview:

• Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 5
• Cuisine: Greek 🇬🇷
• Category: Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup grated onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup long-grain rice
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Water, as needed
• Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, mint, basil), for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

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   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, chopped parsley, chopped mint, black pepper, and salt.
   • Mix the ingredients until well combined, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.

2. Scald the Rice:

   • Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water, then place it in a heatproof bowl.
   • Pour boiling water over the rice, enough to cover it completely.
   • Let the rice soak in the hot water for about 5 minutes to partially cook it.

3. Mix and Shape:

   • Drain the soaked rice and add it to the seasoned ground beef mixture.
   • Thoroughly combine the rice with the meat mixture to form a homogeneous mixture.
   • Shape the mixture into small sausage-like meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.

4. Fry the Meatballs:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
   • Fry the meatballs until they are golden brown on all sides, then transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

5. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion to the remaining oil and sauté over gentle heat until translucent.
   • Stir in the minced garlic, ground cinnamon, and honey, cooking until the garlic is fragrant and the onions are caramelized.
   • Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet, season with salt and black pepper, and simmer the mixture for about 15 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and the flavors to meld.

6. Simmer the Meatballs:

   • Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring to combine with the tomato mixture.
   • Gently place the fried meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they are submerged.
   • Cover the skillet and simmer the meatballs in the sauce for approximately 30 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors and become tender.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat.
   • Sprinkle the Youvarlakia with freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley, mint, and basil, for a burst of freshness and color.
   • Serve the Youvarlakia hot, either as a standalone dish or accompanied by your favorite sides, such as crusty bread, rice, or a Greek salad.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 397.6
• Total Fat: 25.1g
  • Saturated Fat: 6.9g
• Cholesterol: 61.7mg
• Sodium: 75.9mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 24.1g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3.7g
  • Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 20.2g

Flavorful Tips:

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
• Don’t skip scalding the rice—it helps to partially cook the grains and ensures they’re tender when the meatballs are done.
• Adjust the sweetness of the tomato sauce by varying the amount of honey according to your taste preferences.
• These Youvarlakia are freezer-friendly! Make a double batch and freeze the extra meatballs for a quick and delicious meal option on busy weeknights.

From the aromatic blend of herbs to the succulent meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, every bite of this Youvarlakia recipe is a celebration of Greek flavors and traditions. Whether enjoyed as a comforting family dinner or served at a festive gathering, these tender meatballs are sure to delight your senses and transport you to the enchanting landscapes of Greece. Opa! 🇬🇷✨