Avgolemono Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Liquid Sunshine
Recipe Introduction: Sunshine in a Bowl
Ever crave something that feels like a warm hug from the inside? Then you absolutely need to try Avgolemono Soup .
It’s basically sunshine in a bowl. This isn't just any chicken soup. It's Greek Lemon Chicken Soup elevated!
What is Avgolemono Soup Anyway?
Avgolemono, meaning egg-lemon in Greek, is a classic soup. It’s known for its creamy texture and bright, zesty flavor. It’s a staple of the Mediterranean Diet and has roots in ancient cuisine! Honestly, I think authentic Avgolemono is one of the most underrated soups out there.
This version is a medium difficulty recipe. You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and 30 minutes to cook. So, roughly 45 minutes total to make it.
This recipe makes about 6 servings. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
Why You'll Love This Lemon Chicken Soup
Lemon Chicken Soup offers a healthy dose of Vitamin C. The recipe boosts your immune system! It’s also packed with protein from the chicken and it’s relatively low in calories.
I love serving Easy Avgolemono Soup when I’m feeling under the weather or just need a comforting pick-me-up.
This Egg Lemon Soup Recipe is special because it perfectly balances richness and tang. The Creamy Lemon Chicken Soup is also surprisingly simple to make, once you get the hang of tempering the eggs! I always feel like I'm channeling my inner Greek goddess when I make it!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. To make the best Avgolemono Soup , you need the right stuff. Don't worry, it is not too complicated. Think simple, fresh, and yummy.
Main Ingredients Breakdown
- Chicken Broth: 8 cups (1.9 Liters) . Get good quality broth. The better the broth, the better the Greek Lemon Chicken Soup will taste. Trust me on this one. I've learned it the hard way.
- Cooked Chicken: 1 cup (240ml) shredded. Leftover roast chicken works great here. You can boil a chicken breast if you want to!
- Long Grain Rice: 1/2 cup (90g) , rinsed. Rinsing gets rid of excess starch. Nobody wants gluey soup, you know?
- Yellow Onion: 1 small , finely diced. Adds a nice base flavour.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Use a good quality one, it makes a difference.
- Dried Oregano: 1/4 tsp . A little bit goes a long way.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy. Flavour it properly.
- Eggs: 3 large . These need to be fresh for the right consistency.
- Lemon Juice: 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh. About 3-4 lemons. Bottle lemon juice is a no-no. Fresh is a must for that Authentic Avgolemono zing.
- Water: 1/4 cup (60ml) , cold. This helps to temper the eggs.
The secret to great Easy Avgolemono Soup is using awesome, fresh ingredients.
Seasoning Notes for That Extra Zing
Oregano is key. It's a classic Greek flavour. Lemon and chicken are a match made in heaven. Salt and pepper are your friends.
Don't underestimate them. For a flavour boost, add a bay leaf to the broth while it simmers. Just remember to take it out before serving.
You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. If you are out of oregano, try marjoram.
Equipment Needed to Nail This Recipe
- Large Pot: For cooking the soup.
- Whisk: Essential for the egg-lemon mixture. Don't skip this!
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements. This is important, especially for the Egg Lemon Soup Recipe .
- Lemon Juicer: Optional, but makes life easier.
Don't have a whisk? Use a fork. No pot? A deep saucepan will do. The most important is the whisk .
Getting ready is half the battle. Now, let's get cooking and make some amazing Lemon Chicken Soup ! It will taste like you are having a bowl of Mediterranean Diet Soup .
You can almost feel the sun in Greece.
Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Liquid Sunshine!)
Avgolemono Soup . Just saying it makes me feel like I'm on holiday. It's light, zesty, and oh-so-comforting. I stumbled upon Authentic Avgolemono years ago.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure about the egg-lemon combo. But Greek Lemon Soup changed my mind! Now, it is a regular on my menu, especially when I need a bit of sunshine in a bowl.
I call it 'liquid sunshine'.
Prep Steps
Before diving in, let’s get organised. It's all about the mise en place ! Dice that onion (about 1 cup diced).
Get your shredded cooked chicken ready (about 1 large chicken breast). Squeeze those lemons you'll need about ½ cup of fresh lemon juice .
Rinse that ½ cup long grain rice until the water runs clear. Saves time later, trust me. Safety wise, just be careful with that knife! And keep the little ones away from the hot stove.
step-by-step: Sunshine in a Pot
Ready to make this Easy Avgolemono Soup ? Here's how:
- Sauté 1 cup diced onion in 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes .
- Add 8 cups chicken broth and ½ cup rinsed rice . Simmer for 20 minutes , covered.
- Stir in your cooked, shredded chicken. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Whisk 3 eggs with ¼ cup cold water . Slowly add ½ cup lemon juice .
- Temper the egg mix with 2 cups of hot broth, whisking like mad.
- Slowly pour the egg mix into the soup, stirring constantly. Heat gently.
- Do not boil the soup, it will curdle.
- Serve and garnish this Greek Lemon Chicken Soup as desired.
The soup should be thick enough to coat the back of the spoon, a true Creamy Lemon Chicken Soup .
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Avgolemono
Want next level Lemon Chicken Soup ? Use homemade broth if you can. It makes a world of difference to the flavour.
A common mistake? Boiling the soup after adding the egg mixture. Don't do it! You will end up with scrambled eggs in soup, not the silky smooth Egg Lemon Soup Recipe we're after.
Another tip: always use fresh lemon juice! Bottled stuff just doesn’t compare. For Mediterranean Diet Soup , this recipe is a winner!
You can even make this ahead. Just keep the Avgolemono separate and add it right before serving. This Lemon Rice Soup is amazing!
Recipe Notes to Nailing That Avgolemono Soup
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Before you dive headfirst into making this Avgolemono Soup , let's chat about some insider tips and tricks.
Honestly, these are the things I wish someone had told me the first time I made it. You know? Little things that make a HUGE difference.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Soup Game
Plating and presentation totally matters! A simple swirl of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley can make your Greek Lemon Chicken Soup look like it came straight from a fancy restaurant.
I sometimes add a thin slice of lemon on the rim of the bowl. It's all about that wow factor.
You know?
For sides, crusty bread is a must. I like to serve this amazing Lemon Chicken Soup with a classic Greek salad for a complete meal that just screams summer.
Want to go even fancier? Pair it with a crisp glass of white wine. Perfection!
Storage Tips: Making It Last (Because Leftovers Are the Best!)
Refrigeration guidelines are easy. Once the soup cools down, pop it in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days .
Honestly, I rarely freeze Avgolemono Soup . The texture of the egg-lemon sauce can change a bit. But, if you really want to, let it cool completely, then freeze in individual portions.
Reheat it gently on the stovetop, whisking constantly, to bring it back to life.
Reheating instructions are simple: low and slow! Heat it gently on the stove, stirring often. Avoid boiling it, or the Egg Lemon Soup Recipe might curdle. No one wants that!
Variations: Make It Your Avgolemono Soup
Need a dietary adaptation ? This recipe is naturally gluten-free. You can easily make this a Mediterranean Diet Soup by making sure your ingredients align. How awesome is that?
Want a seasonal ingredient swap ? In the winter, add some roasted root veggies for extra heartiness. In the summer, fresh herbs are your best friend. Get creative!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Spoonful
Let’s talk quick numbers, because who doesn’t love to know what’s what? You’re looking at roughly 180 calories per serving of this Easy Avgolemono Soup .
Packed with protein and a good source of vitamins, it's a surprisingly healthy dish. It's like liquid sunshine for your body.
Key health benefits ? Lemon is packed with Vitamin C, chicken broth can soothe a cold, and it's super comforting. So yeah, it's good for your soul too.
So, there you have it! All the little secrets to making amazing Avgolemono Soup . Go forth, cook with confidence, and enjoy every single spoonful of Creamy Lemon Chicken Soup that you make, including my Authentic Avgolemono .
You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My Avgolemono Soup curdled! What did I do wrong?
Curdling is the most common Avgolemono Soup mishap, but don't despair! It usually happens because the eggs weren't tempered properly, or the soup boiled after adding the egg-lemon mixture. Tempering involves slowly raising the temperature of the eggs by whisking in hot broth before adding them to the entire pot.
Remember, low and slow is key avoid any rapid boiling!
Can I make Avgolemono Soup ahead of time?
While Avgolemono is best served fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time. The chicken broth and rice can be cooked in advance and stored separately. However, the egg-lemon mixture should be made just before serving to prevent separation.
Gently reheat the broth and rice, then whisk in the freshly made avgolemono right before you're ready to eat, keeping the heat low.
I'm not a fan of rice. Can I substitute something else in this Avgolemono Soup recipe?
Absolutely! Orzo pasta is a great substitute for rice in Avgolemono Soup, offering a similar texture. You could also try small pasta shapes like ditalini. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, following the package instructions for your chosen pasta, and make sure it's cooked through before adding the chicken and egg-lemon mixture.
How can I make my Avgolemono Soup more flavorful?
Flavor starts with a good broth ideally homemade or a high-quality store-bought version. Don't skimp on the fresh lemon juice; it’s what gives Avgolemono its signature zing! Season generously with salt and pepper, and consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley also contribute to a brighter, more aromatic soup.
Is Avgolemono Soup healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Avgolemono Soup can be a healthy and comforting choice. It's relatively low in calories and fat, while being a good source of protein from the chicken and eggs. The lemon juice provides Vitamin C, and the broth offers hydration.
However, sodium content can vary depending on the broth used, so opt for low-sodium options when possible. As always, consider your own dietary needs when deciding if this soup is right for you.
My Avgolemono Soup is too thick. How do I thin it out?
If your Avgolemono Soup ends up thicker than you'd like, don't worry, it's an easy fix. Simply whisk in a little extra warm chicken broth, a few tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Be sure to whisk gently and heat the soup over low heat to avoid curdling.
This is just like Goldilocks, you can get the thickness to be "just right".
Avgolemono Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Liquid Sunsh
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 180 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
