Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce
These Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce are a heartwarming dish combining tender meatballs with a zesty lemon sauce, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef Delicious base packed with protein.
- 1 small onion, finely grated Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor.
- 1/4 cup uncooked arborio rice Brings a delightful creaminess and unique texture.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley Introduces vibrant colors and fresh herbal notes.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped Adds aromatic flavor.
- 1 egg Binds the meatball mixture together.
- to taste salt Essential seasoning.
- to taste black pepper Essential seasoning.
- 1 pinch dried oregano Elevates the flavor profile.
For Cooking
- 4 cups chicken broth Savory base for simmering.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil To cook the meatballs.
For the Lemon Sauce
- 2 eggs eggs Forms the creamy sauce.
- 1/4 cup juice of lemons Adds tanginess to the sauce.
- to taste salt To season the sauce.
- to taste black pepper To season the sauce.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, finely grated onion, uncooked arborio rice, chopped parsley, chopped dill, egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes.
Cooking
- In a large pot, introduce the chicken broth and olive oil. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering broth, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for approximately 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the two eggs and lemon juice. Gradually add hot broth while whisking.
- Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot with the meatballs, stirring continuously over very low heat until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Ladle the meatballs and sauce into bowls and garnish with additional chopped dill or lemon wedges.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding grated lemon zest to both the meatball mixture and the sauce. Using a mix of ground meats, such as lamb and beef, can add a unique depth to the flavor. For a spicier kick, add finely chopped green chili or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.