Recipe: Greek Meatballs with Lemon Sauce

GREEK MEATBALLS WITH LEMON SAUCE

FOR THE MEATBALLS:
2 lbs ground beef
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup raw regular white rice
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus additional for garnish)
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
4 beef bouillon cubes
2 tbsp butter or margarine
4 cups water
FOR THE LEMON SAUCE:
4 eggs
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
Hot cooked rice or mashed potatoes (optional, for serving)

TO MAKE THE MEATBALLS:
In medium bowl, combine beef, onion, rice, parsley, salt and pepper with 1/4 cup cold water. Using hands, mix well to combine. Shape mixture into meatballs, 1 1/4-inches in diameter; set aside.

In large pot, combine bouillon cubes, butter and 4 cups water; bring to a boil. Drop meatballs, one by one, into boiling liquid. Return to boiling; reduce heat, and simmer, covered, 50 minutes.

MEANWHILE, TO MAKE THE LEMON SAUCE:
In top of double boiler, over hot, not boiling, water, using rotary beater, beat eggs with 2 tbsp cold water until light and fluffy.

Remove 1/4 cup hot bouillon from kettle; gradually add to egg mixture, beating constantly. Gradually stir in lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens. Add salt. Remove from heat; let stand over hot water 5 minutes before serving.

TO SERVE:
With slotted spoon, remove meatballs to serving dish. Pour sauce over them. Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve the meatballs with cooked rice or mashed potatoes, if desired.

Makes 6 to 8 servings
Source: Lisa A Neilson