Best 10 Greek Creamy Lemon Meatballs Aka Avgolemono Recipes

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**Unveil the Symphony of Flavors: Greek Creamy Lemon Meatballs (Avgolemono) and Its Accompaniments**

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Greece with this delectable dish of Greek creamy lemon meatballs, also known as Avgolemono. These tender and flavorful meatballs, bathed in a velvety and aromatic lemon sauce, promise an explosion of taste in every bite. Accompanying this main course are three tantalizing recipes: a refreshing Greek salad, a creamy and tangy tzatziki sauce, and soft and fluffy pita bread. Prepare to indulge in a complete and authentic Greek dining experience, where each dish harmonizes perfectly to create a symphony of flavors.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

TRADITIONAL GREEK MEATBALL SOUP (GIOUVARLAKIA/ YOUVARLAKIA) IN EGG-LEMON SAUCE RECIPE



Traditional Greek Meatball Soup (Giouvarlakia/ Youvarlakia) in Egg-lemon sauce recipe image

Want to make a traditional Greek Meatball Soup in Egg-lemon sauce (Youvarlakia Avgolemono)? This is a hearty and delicious dish, perfect for a cold winter's day!

Provided by Eli K. Giannopoulos

Categories     Soups

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 13

500g lean minced beef (18 ounces)
¼ of a cup long-grain rice (not boiled)
½ cup parsley, finely chopped
1 medium sized onion, finely chopped
1 egg
2 tbsps olive oil
½ carrot, grated (optional)
3 tbsps fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
1 tsp salt
a pinch of coriander
freshly ground pepper
2 eggs
juice of 2 lemons

Steps:

  • To prepare this Greek meatball soup, start by making the meatballs (youvarlakia). Place all the meatball ingredients into a large bowl, knead the mixture squeezing the ingredients with your hand until smooth. Leave the mixture to rest in the fridge for 15 minutes. This will prevent the youvarlakia to break up when boiled. Form the meatballs (youvarlakia) and set them aside.
  • Pour into a large pan 2 ½ cups of water and bring to the boil. Turn the heat down and gently add the meatballs (youvarlakia) in the water, put the lid back on and cook for 20-25 minutes. (The water should be enough to cover the meatballs, so add some more warm water if needed)
  • To prepare the egg lemon sauce for the Greek meatball soup, crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk. Add the lemon juice and whisk well. Add into the bowl a ladle of hot soup and whisk quickly. Add one more ladle and whisk again until combined.
  • Stir in the egg lemon sauce into the youvarlakia soup and cook for 2-3 minutes over medium heat, until warm but not boiling.
  • Serve this extra warming Greek meatball soup, while still hot with a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
  • Make sure that you do not cover any left overs until they have cooled; the sauce may curdle otherwise!!

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 bowl, Calories 337kcal, Sugar 2.3g, Sodium 734.1mg, Fat 14.6g, SaturatedFat 4.1g, UnsaturatedFat 9.6g, TransFat 0.1g, Carbohydrate 16.7g, Fiber 1.4g, Protein 33.9g, Cholesterol 214.5mg

GREEK LEMON CHICKEN SOUP AKA AVGOLEMONO



Greek Lemon Chicken Soup aka Avgolemono image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Time 1h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 quarts low-sodium chicken stock
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup orzo or rice
3 large eggs, separated
1 tablespoon lemon zest plus 1/2 to 1 cup fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Steps:

  • In a large stockpot, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Add the chicken breasts and then lower to a simmer. Simmer until the chicken is just cooked through and the internal temperature registers 160 degrees F, 15 to 20 minutes; remove to a bowl. Once cooled, shred the chicken and reserve.
  • Add the orzo or rice to the pot with the chicken stock and cook until al dente, 5 to 8 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites to soft peaks. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and most of the lemon juice, reserving some to add later as needed. Fold the egg yolk mixture into the egg whites. Once combined, ladle in some hot stock to temper the egg mixture, whisking constantly and adding the hot liquid slowly. Very slowly, add the warm whipped egg/lemon mixture into the pot, whisking constantly to prevent any curds or clumps from forming. Continue to cook over medium-low to medium heat, whisking, until the soup thickens, about 10 minutes more.
  • Add the shredded chicken and any reserved juices to the soup. Add the lemon zest and season with salt and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and add additional lemon juice if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley.

GREEK CREAMY LEMON MEATBALLS (AKA AVGOLEMONO)



Greek Creamy Lemon Meatballs (aka avgolemono) image

Yum, yum, yum! Such a refreshing take on a classic comfort food. Sign us up for seconds!

Provided by Didi Dalaba

Categories     Turkey

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 lb ground beef (i used turkey)
1 small onion diced fine (or 3 green onions diced fine, i used the latter)
1 1/4 c uncooked long grain rice (or whatever you have on hand)
1 tsp dried dill
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp granulated garlic (garlic powder)
1 egg
LEMON SAUCE
1 egg separated (yolk from egg white)
juice of 1 lemon or 1/3 cup bottled
pinch of salt
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS
3 1/2 c water
1/4 c fresh parsley chopped fine *optional*
1 1/2 Tbsp chicken base (stock)
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • 1. a small bowl, add your meatball ingredients. Mix well till rice is incorporated thoroughly with the meat mixture and spices. Using your melon ball scooper. Scoop out meat balls and set on a plate, set aside! When you have finished making your meatballs, in a large non stick skillet, add your olive oil, let heat and add your meatballs.
  • 2. Let them brown on one side, turn over... and let them brown on the other side.
  • 3. Lower heat to as low as it can go... add your stock (chicken base). Add your water and cover the meatballs thoroughly!! Increase your heat to medium.
  • 4. Let the meatballs come to a boil/simmer. Lower the heat to low, cover and time them for approximately 15-18 minutes. Turn off heat when timer is done.
  • 5. This is what they will look like when the 18 minutes or so are over... See how perfectly cooked the rice is... love it!!
  • 6. Okay, let's get busy with that amazing lemon sauce shall we???? Gather your very simple ingredients! Juice your lemon, separate your egg. How simple can that be??? Now that you have separated your egg white from yolk, I want you take a whisk and beat the living daylights out of the eggwhite... till it's nice and frothy and creamy looking!! I don't want you to make it "meringue", we need it frothy....
  • 7. Take about 1/3 cup of the chicken broth from the now cooked meatballs and pour directly into the beaten egg white mixture. Easy right? Now we need to add the lemon into this... beat well with the whisk. Finally add your egg yolk and the pinch of salt. Beat just a smidgen more, like 10 whisks is all I'm saying. What you are doing is literally "tempering" the eggs. In other words, you are introducing a very hot mixture into a "neutral atmosphere". So the mixture will not "curdle" when brought back into the hot.
  • 8. Let the meatballs and now creamy lemon mixture come to a full boil. Turn off heat and your ready to serve!! Look at how creamy and low fat this sauce is... and did I mention AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS??? Our favorite way of eating this is over mashed potatoes... so darn good... just DELICIOUS!!!!!

MEAT BALLS AVGOLEMONO (VEAL BALLS WITH LEMON AND EGG SAUCE)



Meat Balls Avgolemono (Veal balls with lemon and egg sauce) image

Provided by Pierre Franey

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/4 pounds ground lamb or veal
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup finely chopped onions
1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
2 tablespoons finely chopped dill
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Salt to taste, if desired
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
2 eggs
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/3 cup lemon juice

Steps:

  • Put the veal in a mixing bowl.
  • Heat one tablespoon of the butter in a skillet and add one-half cup of the onions. Cook, stirring, until wilted. Add this to the veal.
  • Add the bread crumbs, half of the dill, the nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste. Blend well. Shape the mixture into 28 balls of equal size, each about two inches in diameter or slightly less.
  • Heat two tablespoons of butter in a casserole and add the remaining onions. Cook briefly until wilted. Add the veal balls and cook, turning gently to brown lightly. Add the broth and bring to the boil. Cover and let simmer about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, beat the eggs with a wire whisk in a bowl until well blended. Add the cornstarch and continue beating until thoroughly smooth and blended. Beat in the lemon juice.
  • Pour one cup of the liquid from the meatballs into the egg mixture. Beat to blend.
  • Pour this blend into the meatballs with their liquid and stir. Cook over gentle heat until thickened. Sprinkle with the remaining dill and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 624, UnsaturatedFat 21 grams, Carbohydrate 21 grams, Fat 46 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 31 grams, SaturatedFat 21 grams, Sodium 796 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams

THE TRADITIONAL EGG-LEMON SAUCE (GREEK AVGOLEMONO) RECIPE



The traditional Egg-lemon sauce (Greek Avgolemono) recipe image

The traditional Greek Avgolemono recipe can be a tricky affair. Not any more! Find out how to make the perfect egg lemon sauce with these 3 easy recipes and expert tips.

Provided by Eli K. Giannopoulos

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 3

warm stock or broth from your prepared soup. You'll need about 2-3 cups depending on how thick or runny you like your avgolemono.
juice from 2-3 lemons
2-3 eggs

Steps:

  • To prepare the classic Avgolemono recipe, start by cracking the eggs into a bowl and whisk well.
  • Gradually add the lemon juice and whisk again to combine.
  • Add a little of the warm stock or soup and whisk quickly, add more and whisk again. The reason for slowly adding the broth is to gradually warm up the eggs so you don't end up with an omelette instead of a sauce!
  • Pour gradually the egg mixture back into the pot, whilst constantly stirring and bring just below boiling point. Remove the pan from the stove and serve.

YOUVARLAKIA AVGOLEMONO (LEMONY GREEK MEATBALL SOUP)



Youvarlakia Avgolemono (Lemony Greek Meatball Soup) image

Avgolemono is a Greek egg and lemon mixture that's tangy and silky, and used to thicken sauces and soups. In the United States, most versions of avgolemono soup brim with grains of rice and chunks of chicken. In this recipe, a riff on youvarlakia avgolemono, ground chicken and rice are rolled into meatballs, then simmered in the broth, making the whole thing heartier without losing the soup's characteristic brightness. Many recipes for youvarlakia call for ground beef, and, if you like you can substitute that here. Note that because of the eggs in the broth, leftovers do not freeze well.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound ground chicken (or ground turkey or beef), very cold
3/4 cup chopped fresh dill or parsley, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup grated yellow onion (from about 1 small onion)
1/4 cup grated carrot (from about 1 carrot)
1/4 cup uncooked long-grain rice, such as basmati or Carolina, well rinsed and drained
1 garlic clove, finely grated, pushed through a garlic press, or minced
1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more as needed
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
6 cups chicken stock
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
Freshly grated nutmeg, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, 1/4 cup dill, onion, carrot, rice, garlic, salt, pepper and lemon zest. Gently mix with your hands until well combined.
  • Gently form the mixture into 24 meatballs, each about 1 1/4 inches in diameter, placing them on a plate or baking pan. Cover and chill for at least 20 minutes or up to 24 hours. This helps the meatballs keep their shape while cooking.
  • In a large pot, bring stock to a boil over high heat. Reduce to medium and use a slotted spoon to carefully add meatballs to the pot. The broth should cover the tops of the meatballs by about 1/2 inch. If not, add a little water. Simmer gently, adjusting the heat so the broth doesn't boil, until meatballs are cooked through and rice is tender, 25 to 35 minutes. (Break open a meatball to test it.) Remove pot from heat.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and lemon juice until just mixed. Slowly add a ladle of warm broth to egg-lemon mixture, whisking constantly. Whisk in another two ladles of broth to temper the egg mixture.
  • Slowly drizzle the egg-lemon mixture back into the pot with the meatballs, stirring gently so you don't break apart the meatballs. Return the pot to medium-low heat until it just starts to simmer. (Wait for a bubble or two to appear, but don't let the pot boil.) The broth should be silky. Remove from heat, stir in remaining 1/2 cup dill. Taste and add salt and pepper, if needed. (It may need quite a bit of salt if you are starting with unsalted broth.) Garnish with nutmeg, if you like, and dill, and serve.

GREEK AVGOLEMONO



Greek Avgolemono image

The name of this classic soup comes from its two main ingredients: egg (avgo) and lemon (lemoni).

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Soups, Stews & Stocks     Soup Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 cups homemade or low-sodium canned chicken stock
2 cups uncooked orzo, (rice-shaped pasta)
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons cornstarch
4 large eggs
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice, (4 lemons)

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring 6 cups stock to a boil. Add orzo; cook until al dente, 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper.
  • Dissolve cornstarch in 1/2 cup water. Heat remaining 2 cups stock until hot; do not boil.
  • In an electric mixer, beat eggs with whisk until fluffy; add cornstarch mixture and lemon juice. With mixer on medium-low speed, slowly add one to two cups hot stock until incorporated and mixture thickens slightly. Add any remaining stock to orzo.
  • Over low heat, slowly add egg mixture to orzo, stirring constantly until thickened and creamy. Do not let it come to a boil; the eggs will curdle. Serve immediately.

GIOUVARLAKIA AVGOLEMONO (RICE MEATBALLS IN EGG-LEMON SAUCE)



Giouvarlakia Avgolemono (Rice Meatballs in Egg-Lemon Sauce) image

Greek lamb and rice meatballs in a creamy lemon sauce. Warning for leftovers: Sauce will not keep more than a day or two. The meatballs are still good on their own so I store seperately.

Provided by littleturtle

Categories     Lamb/Sheep

Time 1h30m

Yield 50 meatballs, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 slices whole wheat bread (crusts removed, soaked in milk & squeezed dry)
1 1/2 lbs ground lamb or 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1/2 cup rice (uncooked)
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
2 tablespoons celery, chopped
1 teaspoon crushed dried mint flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons olive oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 quarts water or 2 quarts chicken stock
3 eggs, separated
1 lemon, juice of
1 1/2 cups meatball broth
2 tablespoons butter

Steps:

  • Put bread and ground beef in a bowl, and mix and knead thoroughly.
  • Add rice, parsley, celery, mint, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
  • In a soup kettle, bring about 2 qt water to a furious boil.
  • Keeping the water boiling, shape the meat into little round balls (about the size of walnuts) and gently drop them into the boiling water.
  • Continue boiling for about 1/2 hour, and then set aside.
  • Beat the whites of 3 eggs until frothy, but not stiff and shiny.
  • Constantly beating, add the yolks until well mixed.
  • Still beating add the lemon juice drop by drop.
  • Bring butter and broth to a boil.
  • Add this to the egg-lemon mixture, beating continuously.
  • Place over VERY low heat, stirring in a S or X pattern (stirring round& round will cause sauce to curdle) until froth is almost broken down and sauce thickens.
  • Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 493.9, Fat 35.1, SaturatedFat 15.2, Cholesterol 198.9, Sodium 818.4, Carbohydrate 19, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 1.3, Protein 24.4

YOUVARLAKIA AVGOLEMONO (GREEK MEATBALL-EGG/LEMON SOUP)



Youvarlakia Avgolemono (Greek Meatball-Egg/Lemon Soup) image

Hearty winter fare. Don't forget to serve feta cheese and crusty bread alongside. Note: although it is not traditional to have veggies in this soup here in Greece, I always put a couple in, simply because they taste good. I have carrot and potato on the ingredient list here, but I also often use some minced celery and maybe a smallish zucchini.

Provided by evelynathens

Categories     Meat

Time 1h5m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 lb ground beef
1/4 lb ground pork (opt but good)
1 onion, minced
1 garlic clove, minced fine
6 tablespoons raw long-grain white rice
chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh spearmint (or 2 teaspoons dried and rubbed between fingers into powder)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt & freshly ground black pepper
3 eggs
6 cups water or 6 cups stock
1 onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 -3 carrots, sliced
1 zucchini, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 large potato, cubed
1 lemon, juice of, only
2 tablespoons cornflour

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the meat, minced onion, garlic, rice, 3 tablespoons chopped parsley, the mint, oregano, salt and pepper, and 1 egg, slightly beaten.
  • Knead for a few minutes, then shape into walnut-sized meatballs and set aside.
  • In a soup pot, bring the water or stock to boil and add the meatballs.
  • Cook for 20 minutes.
  • Add chopped onion, celery, carrot, zucchini and potato. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Lower the heat and gently simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes (until the vegetables are tender), then remove from the heat.
  • To prepare avgolemono: beat the two remaining eggs for 2 minutes and whisk in the corn flour.
  • While beating all the while, gradually add the lemon juice.
  • Then add 1 cup of the hot broth in a slow, steady stream (ladle), beating steadily, until nearly all the hot liquid has been added.
  • Add the egg/stock mixture back to the soup pot and heat, being careful not to let it boil, stirring, until thickened.
  • Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
  • Serve this with feta cheese on the side- goes great with the little meatballs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 570.1, Fat 27.3, SaturatedFat 10.2, Cholesterol 237.1, Sodium 205.6, Carbohydrate 44.5, Fiber 5.5, Sugar 6.6, Protein 35.7

GREEK MEATBALLS IN AVGOLEMONO SAUCE (KEFTEDES ME AVGOLEMONO)



Greek Meatballs in Avgolemono Sauce (Keftedes Me Avgolemono) image

Looks yummy!! This recipe is especially popular in the Agrinion area (NW Greece). It uses a version of Avgolemono soup as a sauce for the meatballs or keftedes. I am leaving the metric measures so the recipe is exactly as I found it. The site does not state how many it serves or what the time is for prep, so I am guessing here. I am also assuming that minced beef is the same as ground beef in the U.S. From realgreekrecipes.blogspot.com. Posted for ZWT6.

Provided by Scoutie

Categories     Meat

Time 1h10m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 kg minced beef
1 large onion, very finely chopped
1 bunch parsley, chopped
2 -3 mint leaves, finely chopped
2 slices white bread, dried, soaked in milk and well drained
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 whole egg
1 cup plain flour
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
salt & pepper
2 tablespoons flour
100 ml extra virgin olive oil
2 medium lemons, juice of
yolk from 1 large egg
1 liter water

Steps:

  • Meatballs:.
  • Apart from the flour and the vegetable oil, mix all the other ingredients together well.
  • Make medium-size balls from the mixture.
  • Roll the balls in flour and then deep fry them for approximately 15 minutes.
  • Sauce:.
  • In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil, then add the flour and stir well for 3 minutes.
  • Add 1 litre water and mix well.
  • Add the meatballs and simmer for 30 minutes, until the sauce is slightly thick.
  • Beat the egg yolk thoroughly.
  • Add the lemon juice to the egg and keep beating.
  • Add 5-6 tablespoons of the sauce to the egg & lemon mixture and stir well.
  • Add this mixture to the meatballs in the sauce, shake the pan and remove from the heat.
  • Serve with a sprinkling of pepper and fresh mint on top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1688, Fat 146.4, SaturatedFat 29.3, Cholesterol 222.9, Sodium 277.9, Carbohydrate 43, Fiber 4.4, Sugar 2.4, Protein 53.7

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the final dish.
  • Don't overcook the meatballs: They should be cooked through but still tender and juicy.
  • Make sure the sauce is thick and creamy: The eggs and lemon juice should be added slowly and whisked constantly to prevent curdling.
  • Serve the meatballs immediately: They are best enjoyed when hot and fresh.

Conclusion:

Greek Creamy Lemon Meatballs, also known as Avgolemono, is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. The meatballs are tender and juicy, the sauce is creamy and flavorful, and the lemon adds a bright, refreshing touch. This dish is sure to please everyone at your table.

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