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Youvarlakia

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Youvarlakia are tender Greek meatballs made with ground beef, rice, and fresh herbs, simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with cinnamon and honey. This comforting dish balances savory meatiness with sweet, aromatic notes for a truly satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of rice. The addition of grated onion keeps the meatballs juicy, while the slow simmer allows the flavors to meld harmoniously. It&# 226;€™s a hearty, home-style recipe that brings warmth to any table and is easy to prepare with pantry staples. Serve hot for a delicious, protein-packed dinner that everyone will love.
Cooking Method: , ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 5
Calories: 306.3
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
Youvarlakia are tender Greek meatballs made with ground beef, rice, and fresh herbs, simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with cinnamon and honey. This comforting dish balances savory meatiness with sweet, aromatic notes for a truly satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of rice. The addition of grated onion keeps the meatballs juicy, while the slow simmer allows the flavors to meld harmoniously. It&# 226;€™s a hearty, home-style recipe that brings warmth to any table and is easy to prepare with pantry staples. Serve hot for a delicious, protein-packed dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
  • 1 lbs Ground beef
  • 1/4 lbs Onion; grated
  • 3 Garlic Cloves; minced
  • 1/2 teaspoons Oregano
  • 1 teaspoons Ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons Finely chopped fresh mint
  • 1/2 teaspoons Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
  1. 1
    In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, parsley, mint, and black pepper. Season with salt to taste and mix thoroughly until well combined.
  2. 2
    Rinse 1/4 cup of long-grain rice and scald it by pouring boiling water over it in a small bowl. Let it soak for 5 minutes, then drain well.
  3. 3
    Add the drained rice to the beef mixture and mix everything together until evenly distributed.
  4. 4
    Form the mixture into small sausage-shaped meatballs, about 1-2 inches in length.
  5. 5
    Heat 4 tablespoons of fruity olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs until browned on all sides.
  6. 6
    Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and drain them on paper towels.
  7. 7
    In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion and fry in the remaining oil over gentle heat until translucent.
  8. 8
    Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of honey to the skillet. Stir until the mixture is fragrant and slightly caramelized.
  9. 9
    Add 2 pounds of skinned, seeded, and chopped tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  10. 10
    Simmer the tomato sauce for about 15 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken.
  11. 11
    Pour in 1/2 cup of herb broth or water and return the meatballs to the skillet.
  12. 12
    Cover the skillet and simmer gently for 30 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the sauce flavors.
  13. 13
    Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of minced flat-leaf parsley and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh mint before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 5

Amount Per Serving
Calories 306.3kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 17.4g27%
Saturated Fat 6.9g35%
Cholesterol 88.5mg30%
Sodium 83.5mg4%
Total Carbohydrate 4.6g2%
Dietary Fiber 1.4g6%
Sugars 1.2g
Protein 30.4g61%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions: You can substitute ground beef with ground lamb or a mixture of beef and pork for a richer flavor. If fresh mint is unavailable, dried mint can be used, but reduce the quantity to 1 teaspoon.

Variations: For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream or yogurt at the end of cooking. Add diced potatoes or carrots to the sauce for a heartier meal.

Tips: Ensure the rice is well-drained before adding it to the meat mixture to prevent the meatballs from becoming too soggy. Scalding the rice helps it cook evenly inside the meatballs.

Keywords: beef, black, boiling, chopped, cloves, cumin, finely, fresh, freshly, frying, grated, greek, ground, main, minced, mint, onion, oregano, pepper, simmering
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/youvarlakia/