Lamb Rice Meatball Soup

Giavourlakia Avgolemono (Lamb and Rice Meatballs) Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 5 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 32 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 37 minutes
🥘 Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
🔑 Keywords: Lamb/Sheep, Rice, Vegetable, Meat, Lebanese, Turkish, Caribbean, Greek, Southwest Asia (Middle East), Asian, European, Kid Friendly, Potluck, < 60 Mins, Beginner Cook, Stove Top, Easy

Description:

Giavourlakia Avgolemono is a delightful dish with origins in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, boasting flavors that are both comforting and rich. These lamb and rice meatballs simmered in a lemony egg sauce are a testament to the culinary diversity of the area. Tender meatballs, infused with the fragrant aroma of herbs and spices, swim in a savory broth, thickened to perfection with a velvety egg-lemon sauce. This recipe, carefully crafted and shared with love, is a true treasure for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground lamb
• 1/4 cup rice
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped dill
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 cups water or stock
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• Lemon juice from 2 lemons
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, rice, chopped onion, parsley, dill, olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well incorporated, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

2. Shape the Meatballs:

   • With clean hands, shape the meat mixture into small, 1-inch meatballs, rolling them gently between your palms to achieve a uniform shape and size.
   • Place the formed meatballs on a plate or tray, ready to be added to the simmering broth.

3. Prepare the Broth:

   • In a large pot, bring the water or stock to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the butter to the pot, allowing it to melt and infuse the broth with its rich flavor.

4. Simmer the Meatballs:

   • Carefully add the shaped meatballs to the simmering broth, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
   • Reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the meatballs to simmer gently for approximately 30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender.
   • Stir occasionally to prevent the meatballs from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking.

5. Thicken the Soup (Optional):

   • If desired, adjust the consistency of the soup by thickening it with a flour and butter mixture.
   • In a small bowl, combine a tablespoon of flour with a teaspoon of butter, mashing them together to form a smooth paste.
   • Gradually add the flour-butter mixture to the simmering soup, stirring continuously until the soup thickens slightly. Allow it to simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes.

6. Prepare the Avgolemono Sauce:

   • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the eggs until frothy.
   • Gradually add the lemon juice to the beaten eggs, whisking constantly to combine.
   • To temper the eggs and prevent them from scrambling, slowly ladle 2 spoonfuls of hot broth from the pot into the egg-lemon mixture, whisking vigorously as you pour.

7. Finish the Soup:

   • Once tempered, pour the egg-lemon mixture back into the pot of simmering soup, stirring gently to incorporate.
   • Continue to cook the soup for an additional minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Ladle the Giavourlakia Avgolemono into individual serving bowls, ensuring each portion contains a generous helping of meatballs and flavorful broth.
   • Garnish with additional chopped parsley or dill, if desired, to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
   • Serve hot and savor the comforting flavors of this traditional Mediterranean delicacy with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 487.6
• Fat Content: 39.7g
  • Saturated Fat Content: 18g
• Cholesterol Content: 172.5mg
• Sodium Content: 144mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 7.4g
  • Fiber Content: 0.3g
  • Sugar Content: 0.8g
• Protein Content: 23.9g

Recipe Notes:

• Giavourlakia Avgolemono is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own as a hearty soup or paired with your favorite side dishes for a more substantial meal.
• Feel free to customize the recipe by adding additional vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or spinach, to enhance the nutritional profile and add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer-term storage. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
• This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike, offering a simple yet satisfying dish that is sure to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of Giavourlakia Avgolemono any time of year!