Yuvarelakia Soupa Avgolemono (Meat-Rice Barrel Soup)

      1 lb Ground beef, veal or lamb           3    Eggs
      1    Onion; grated                       5 c  Water or stock
      2    Garlic cloves; crushed (opt)        1    Onion (optional); chopped
      6 tb Raw long-grain white rice           1    Celery stalk (opt.); chopped
           Chopped fresh parsley             1/2    Carrot (optional); chopped
      2 tb Chopped dill, mint or basil         1    Lemon (or more), juice only
      1 ts Dried oregano or thyme                   Salt & freshly ground pepper

  In a large bowl, combine the meat, grated onion, garlic, rice, 3
  tablespoons chopped parsley, the mint, oregano, salt and pepper, and
  1 egg, slightly beaten. Knead for a few minutes, then shape into
  walnut- sized barrels and set aside.

  In a soup pot, bring the water or stock to boil with the chopped
  onion, celery and carrot, and salt and pepper to taste. Lower the
  heat and add the meat-rice barrels. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes,
  then remove from the heat.

  To prepare avgolemono, beat the two remaining eggs for 2 minutes.
  Continuing to beat, gradually add the lemon juice. Then add 1 cup of
  the hot broth by droplets, beating steadily, until all has been
  added. Add to the soup and heat, being careful not to let it boil.
  Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

  Note: This soup is frequently made without the additional vegetables
  added to the liquid.  Also, you may enjoy this soup without
  avgolemono, in which case add 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce to the
  liquid and reduce the water to 4 1/2 cups.