Meatball Soup with Egg and Lemon (Yiouvarlakia soupa Avgolemono)
Avgolemono is the Greek term for the classic Mediterranean egg-and-lemon mixture used as a thickener for soups or stews. In Turkey, the same blend is called terbiyeli. While simple versions of this soup include just rice, and others call for chicken and rice, leeks and celery and even fish, the most interesting and filling interpretations feature these little meatballs.
1 lb ground (minced) lean beef or lamb
1 C. grated or finely minced onion
6 T. long-grain white rice or 1/2 C. fine dried bread crumbs
1/2 C. chopped fresh flat-leaf (Italian) parsley
2 T. chopped fresh mint or dill
3 eggs
salt and freshly ground pepper
6 C. chicken stock
1/4 C. fresh lemon juice
In a bowl, combine the meat, onion, rice or bread crumbs, 1/4 C. of the parsley, the mint or dill and 1 of the eggs. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Using your hands, knead the mixture until well mixed. Form the mixture into tiny meatballs about 1/2 inch in diameter. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the stock to a boil. Add the meatballs, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer gently until the meatballs are cooked, 25-30 minutes. In a bowl, beat the remaining 2 eggs until very frothy. Gradually beat in the lemon juice. Then gradually beat in about 1 1/2 C. of the hot soup, beating constantly to prevent curdling. (This step tempers the eggs so that they won’t scramble when added to the soup.) Continue to beat until thickened, then slowly stir the egg mixture into the hot soup. Heat through, but do not allow the soup to boil. Ladle into warmed bowls, sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 C. parsley and serve hot.
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