Greek Lemon Meatball Soup

Brighten Your Bowl: Greek Lemon Meatball Soup

Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening? This Greek Lemon Meatball Soup (Avgolemono inspired!) takes comfort to a whole new level. It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. We’ve taken the classic Avgolemono technique – the lemon and egg sauce that creates a wonderfully creamy texture – and combined it with tender meatballs and hearty orzo pasta. The result? A soup that’s both satisfying and incredibly refreshing.

This isn’t your average meatball soup. The lemon juice adds a beautiful brightness that cuts through the richness of the meatballs, while the dill provides a lovely herbaceous note. It’s a taste of the Mediterranean in every spoonful!

What makes this soup special?

• Bright & Flavorful: The lemon juice is the star, creating a unique and refreshing flavor profile.
• Creamy Texture: The egg-lemon sauce (Avgolemono) creates a luxuriously creamy texture without using any cream!
• Hearty & Satisfying: The meatballs and orzo pasta make this a complete and filling meal.
• Easy to Make: Despite its sophisticated flavor, this soup comes together quickly and easily.

Tips for the Best Greek Lemon Meatball Soup:

• Fresh Lemon Juice is Key: Don’t even think about using bottled lemon juice. The fresh juice makes all the difference.
• Temper the Eggs: This is crucial! Slowly drizzling the hot broth into the whisked eggs prevents them from scrambling. This ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Don’t Boil After Adding Eggs: Once you’ve added the egg mixture, remove the pot from the heat to prevent curdling.
• Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice to your liking. Some people prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh dill or a drizzle of olive oil adds a beautiful finishing touch. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or even a special occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I use different meat for the meatballs? Yes! Ground chicken or a mixture of ground beef and lamb would also be delicious.
• Can I make this soup ahead of time? It’s best served immediately, but you can make the meatballs and broth ahead of time. Add the lemon juice and egg mixture just before serving.
• Is this soup gluten-free? No, the orzo pasta contains gluten. You can substitute gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Can I freeze this soup? Freezing isn’t recommended, as the texture of the egg-lemon sauce may change.
• What does Avgolemono mean? Avgolemono is a Greek sauce made from egg and lemon juice. It’s often used to thicken soups and sauces.