Meatballs with Lemon and Egg Sauce

Meatballs with Lemon and Egg Sauce Recipe from Greece

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Meatballs with Lemon and Egg Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the richness of ground beef with the tangy and creamy flavors of lemon and egg sauce. This recipe is perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

This recipe has its origins in Mediterranean cuisine, where the combination of lemon and egg sauce is a popular flavor pairing. The addition of meatballs adds a hearty and savory element to the dish, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground beef
0.5 lb (227 g) butter
0.25 lb (113 g) rice
1 egg
1 white onion, finely chopped
1 tsp parsley
1 tsp salt
2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 eggs
2 lemons

How to prepare

Mix all ingredients, except 2 eggs and 2 lemons, and shape into balls.
Fill a pot with water and carefully place the butter and meatballs in it.
Cook for 20 minutes, then allow to cool.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with a mixer and slowly add the lemon juice while continuing to beat, ensuring that the sauce doesn't curdle.
Using a ladle, take some of the juice from the pot with the meatballs and gradually add it to the sauce while constantly mixing.
Continue this process until all the juice has been incorporated into the sauce.
Pour the sauce over the meatballs and serve, garnished with parsley.

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of this dish.
Add chopped garlic or herbs like oregano or thyme to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
Substitute the lemon juice with vinegar for a tangy twist on the sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mix the meatball ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.

- Be careful when adding the lemon juice to the egg sauce, as adding it too quickly can cause the sauce to curdle.

- Cooking the meatballs in water helps to keep them moist and tender.

- Garnish the dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Meatballs with Lemon and Egg Sauce over a bed of rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the meatballs in simmering water to ensure that they are cooked through and tender.

- Slowly incorporate the lemon juice into the egg sauce while beating to prevent curdling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use breadcrumbs or oats instead of rice for a different texture in the meatballs.

- Substitute ghee or olive oil for butter for a dairy-free version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the meatballs in the sauce on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Meatballs with Lemon and Egg Sauce in a shallow bowl or on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine like Pinot Noir. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Meatballs with Lemon and Egg Sauce contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Meatballs with Lemon and Egg Sauce contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Meatballs with Lemon and Egg Sauce contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Meatballs with Lemon and Egg Sauce contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C from the lemon juice, as well as iron and zinc from the ground beef.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and butter, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Meatballs with Lemon and Egg Sauce is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamin C and minerals like iron and zinc.

Summary

Meatballs with Lemon and Egg Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With a balance of savory meatballs and tangy sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Meatballs with Lemon and Egg Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Isabella in her cozy little village in Italy. Isabella was known for her incredible cooking skills, and she had promised to teach me a new recipe that day.

As we sat in her sunlit kitchen, surrounded by the sounds of pots and pans clattering and the smell of fresh herbs wafting through the air, Isabella pulled out an old, worn cookbook from her shelf. She flipped through the pages until she came to a recipe that she said had been passed down through generations of her family.

"This is a very special recipe," Isabella said with a twinkle in her eye. "It is for meatballs with lemon and egg sauce. It is a classic dish that is perfect for any occasion."

I watched intently as Isabella went through the ingredients and method, explaining each step with precision and care. She showed me how to mix the ground beef with breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, and seasoning to form perfectly round meatballs. Then she demonstrated how to gently poach the meatballs in a flavorful broth until they were tender and juicy.

Next came the sauce. Isabella cracked eggs into a bowl and whisked them together with freshly squeezed lemon juice, creating a creamy, tangy sauce that would perfectly complement the savory meatballs. She poured the sauce over the meatballs and sprinkled them with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I marveled at the delicious combination of flavors and textures in each bite. The tender meatballs were perfectly balanced by the bright, citrusy sauce, creating a dish that was both comforting and refreshing.

From that moment on, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I practiced making it over and over again, tweaking the ingredients and methods until I had perfected it to my own taste. I shared it with my family and friends, who all raved about its unique and delicious flavor.

Over the years, I have continued to make this recipe for Meatballs with Lemon and Egg Sauce, each time with fond memories of that sunny day in Isabella's kitchen. It has become a beloved tradition in my family, a dish that brings us together and reminds us of the importance of good food and good company.

Now, as I pass this recipe on to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will enjoy making it as much as I have. May it bring you joy and comfort, just as it has for me and my loved ones. And may you always remember the story behind this special dish, a story of friendship, tradition, and the simple joy of sharing a delicious meal with those you love. Bon appétit!