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–+ servings

Lemon Meatball Soup

Tender meatballs, a light lemon broth, and simple pantry ingredients come together in a comforting, everyday soup.
Shared notes will appear here.
Everyday Cooking
Mediterranean, Turkish
Kitchen Pace : 🕒🕒
Servings: 4
Recipe by NAVA Kitchen
Turkish lemon meatball soup (ekşili köfte) with tender meatballs and rice in a yellow ceramic bowl.
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Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1/3 cup rice, washed
  • 1 onion, medium, finely grated
  • 1 egg
  • 6 cups water
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, freshly ground

Method:

Start Cooking
  • In a bowl, combine ground beef, rice, grated onion, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until combined.
  • Shape into small meatballs, about hazelnut or large marble size.
  • Bring water to a boil in a pot. Add salt and avocado oil.
  • Add the meatballs and cook until the rice inside softens and the meatballs are fully cooked.
  • In a bowl, whisk lemon juice, flour, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  • Whisk a ladle of hot cooking liquid into the lemon mixture, then slowly pour it into the pot while stirring continuously. This helps the sauce blend smoothly without curdling or forming lumps.
  • Simmer for 5 more minutes.
  • Serve hot. Bon appétit.

Kitchen Tools:

Notes:

Form the kitchen
  • Grate the onion and squeeze out the excess juice so the meatballs hold their shape.
  • Start with slightly less lemon if yours is very large or extra tart, then adjust to taste.
  • The soup thickens slightly as it sits. Add a splash of hot water when reheating if needed.
 
Make it yours
  • Add a pinch of dried mint or parsley for a fresh finish.
  • Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef.
  • Make it heartier by increasing the rice.
  • Add small cubes of carrot or potato if you like.
  • Finish with a drizzle of olive oil just before serving.
 
At the table
  • Serve with warm crusty bread or pita.
  • Pair with a simple cucumber or green salad.
  • Enjoy as a light main or a comforting starter.

My notes:

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Nutrition:

Calories: 454 kcal | Carbohydrates: 20 g | Protein: 23 g | Fat: 31 g | Saturated Fat: 10 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 121 mg | Sodium: 112 mg | Potassium: 421 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 2 g | Vitamin A: 66 IU | Vitamin C: 16 mg | Calcium: 55 mg | Iron: 3 mg
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