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Lemony Lamb Meatball Soup with Rice

By Jessica Rudolph

Published on December 19, 2024

Time

45 minutes

Yield

serves 4

Lemony Lamb Meatball Soup with Rice

Ingredients

1 pound ground lamb ¼ cup milk 3 tablespoons panko bread crumbs 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill, divided2 teaspoons grated lemon zest plus 2 tablespoons juice1½ teaspoons table salt, divided½ teaspoon pepper 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for serving1 pound leeks, white and light green parts only, halved lengthwise, sliced ½ inch thick, and washed thoroughly8 cups chicken broth ¾ cup long-grain white rice

Before You Begin

Serve soup with crusty bread and/or a green salad.

Instructions

  1. Add lamb, milk, panko, 1 tablespoon dill, lemon zest, ¾ teaspoon salt, and pepper to large bowl and mix until fully combined. Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs (you should have 28 to 32 meatballs) and arrange on large plate. Refrigerate until needed. (Meatballs can be covered with plastic and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.)
  2. Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add leeks and remaining ¾ teaspoon salt and cook until softened and beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add broth and rice, scraping up any browned bits, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until rice is almost tender, about 8 minutes.
  3. Add meatballs to pot. Return soup to simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through and rice is tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and remaining 1 tablespoon dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve, drizzling with extra oil.
Lemony Lamb Meatball Soup with Rice

Lemony Lamb Meatball Soup with Rice

Save

Time

45 minutes

Yield

serves 4

Ingredients

1 pound ground lamb
¼ cup milk
3 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
2 tablespoons minced fresh dill, divided
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest plus 2 tablespoons juice
1½ teaspoons table salt, divided
½ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for serving
1 pound leeks, white and light green parts only, halved lengthwise, sliced ½ inch thick, and washed thoroughly
8 cups chicken broth
¾ cup long-grain white rice

Ingredients

1 pound ground lamb
¼ cup milk
3 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
2 tablespoons minced fresh dill, divided
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest plus 2 tablespoons juice
1½ teaspoons table salt, divided
½ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for serving
1 pound leeks, white and light green parts only, halved lengthwise, sliced ½ inch thick, and washed thoroughly
8 cups chicken broth
¾ cup long-grain white rice

Ingredients

1 pound ground lamb
¼ cup milk
3 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
2 tablespoons minced fresh dill, divided
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest plus 2 tablespoons juice
1½ teaspoons table salt, divided
½ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for serving
1 pound leeks, white and light green parts only, halved lengthwise, sliced ½ inch thick, and washed thoroughly
8 cups chicken broth
¾ cup long-grain white rice

Why This Recipe Works

Lemon and dill added a lively burst to this simple, comforting meal. The rich flavor of the lamb made the meatballs and soup very hearty.

Before You Begin

Serve soup with crusty bread and/or a green salad.

Instructions

  1. Add lamb, milk, panko, 1 tablespoon dill, lemon zest, ¾ teaspoon salt, and pepper to large bowl and mix until fully combined. Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs (you should have 28 to 32 meatballs) and arrange on large plate. Refrigerate until needed. (Meatballs can be covered with plastic and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.)
  2. Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add leeks and remaining ¾ teaspoon salt and cook until softened and beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add broth and rice, scraping up any browned bits, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until rice is almost tender, about 8 minutes.
  3. Add meatballs to pot. Return soup to simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through and rice is tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and remaining 1 tablespoon dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve, drizzling with extra oil.

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