Avgolemono Soup

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Avgolemono Soup on a chilly winter day. Growing up, my grandmother would make this traditional Greek soup whenever we felt under the weather or simply needed a taste of home. The aroma of simmering chicken broth, fresh vegetables, and zesty lemon would fill the house, instantly lifting our spirits. It was more than just a meal; it was a hug in a bowl, a reminder of the love and care that went into every spoonful. Today, I find myself recreating those cherished memories in my own kitchen, eager to share this delightful recipe with friends and family. It’s a beautiful blend of flavors and textures, making it the perfect dish for any occasion.

What to Buy for Avgolemono Soup

The ingredients for Avgolemono Soup are simple yet vital for achieving that authentic flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in the overall taste and texture. The harmony of the fresh vegetables, rich broth, and zesty lemon creates a delightful experience in every bite.

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil – This adds a rich foundation and flavor to the soup.
• 1 cup chopped carrots – Provides sweetness and color.
• 1 cup chopped celery – Contributes to the soup’s fresh, earthy flavor.
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions – Offers a mild onion flavor that complements the broth.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – Adds depth and aroma to the dish.
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Acts as the base, providing rich flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
• 2 bay leaves – Enhances the soup’s flavor profile with their aromatic essence.
• 1 cup uncooked white or jasmine rice – Offers heartiness and texture to the soup.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for balancing flavors.
• 8 ounces shredded chicken breast meat – Adds protein and makes the soup filling.
• 2 large eggs – Used to create the creamy, rich consistency of the soup.
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice – Provides the signature tanginess that distinguishes this dish.
• Fresh parsley, chopped, optional, for garnish – Adds a pop of color and freshness.

Directions for Avgolemono Soup

Making Avgolemono Soup is a delightful experience, as the aroma fills your kitchen and evokes memories. Let’s dive into the steps to create this inviting dish.

1. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. The oil should shimmer slightly, indicating it’s ready for the vegetables. This initial step sets the stage for building flavors.
2. Add 1 cup of chopped carrots, 1 cup of chopped celery, and 1/2 cup of chopped green onions to the pot. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to soften and become fragrant without browning.
3. Next, stir in 3 garlic cloves, minced, and cook for another minute. The garlic will release its aroma, contributing to the soup’s savory base.
4. Pour in 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, and then add 2 bay leaves. Increase the heat and bring this mixture to a boil. This is where the magic begins!
5. Once boiling, stir in 1 cup of uncooked white or jasmine rice, along with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. You’ll notice the broth becoming heartier as the rice absorbs the flavors.
6. After the rice is cooked, add 8 ounces of shredded chicken breast meat into the pot. Stir to combine, ensuring the chicken is heated through.
7. In a separate bowl, whisk 2 large eggs with 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice until smooth. This mixture will bring creaminess to your soup.
8. To temper the eggs, slowly ladle a small amount of hot broth into the egg mixture while stirring constantly. This step is crucial to prevent the eggs from scrambling when added to the soup.
9. Gradually stir the tempered egg mixture back into the soup while it’s off the heat. This will create that signature creamy texture without cooking the eggs too fast.
10. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy the warm embrace of flavors as you dig into this bowl of Avgolemono Soup.

Tips and Variations

To enhance your experience with Avgolemono Soup, consider these handy tips and variations:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will meld beautifully over time.
• Freezing: Can you freeze this? Yes, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just be aware that the texture of the rice may change slightly upon reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with warm, crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Add-Ins: Feel free to add in other proteins like shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
• Seasonal Variations: In the summer, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or mint for a refreshing touch.

What Goes Well With This Avgolemono Soup

When serving Avgolemono Soup, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal experience. Here are some ideas:

• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread makes the perfect dipper, complementing the soup beautifully.
• Greek Salad: A vibrant Greek salad adds freshness and color, balancing the richness of the soup.
• Grilled Fish: Lightly seasoned grilled fish is a fantastic protein pairing that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables provide a nutritious side that complements the flavors in the soup.
• Occasions: This soup is perfect for cozy family dinners, festive gatherings, or even casual get-togethers.
• Storage Tips: Always cool leftovers completely before refrigerating to preserve flavor and quality.

FAQ

Conclusion

Avgolemono Soup is a heartwarming dish that perfectly blends creamy, tangy flavors with wholesome ingredients. This soup not only nourishes the body but also the soul, bringing back memories of family gatherings and warmth. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and create your own cherished moments. It’s simple yet delightful, making it a wonderful addition to your collection of comforting meals.

Avgolemono Soup

The ultimate comfort food, Avgolemono Soup combines creamy, tangy flavors with tender chicken and rice. Perfect for chilly evenings, this easy weeknight dinner is packed with warmth and love. Try making it tonight for a taste of tradition!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Soups

Cuisine Greek

Servings 6 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Whisk
• Large Pot
• Saucepan
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup uncooked white or jasmine rice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces shredded chicken breast meat
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped, optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Start by heating 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. The oil should shimmer slightly, indicating it’s ready for the vegetables. This initial step sets the stage for building flavors.
• Add 1 cup of chopped carrots, 1 cup of chopped celery, and 1/2 cup of chopped green onions to the pot. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to soften and become fragrant without browning.
• Next, stir in 3 garlic cloves, minced, and cook for another minute. The garlic will release its aroma, contributing to the soup’s savory base.
• Pour in 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, and then add 2 bay leaves. Increase the heat and bring this mixture to a boil. This is where the magic begins!
• Once boiling, stir in 1 cup of uncooked white or jasmine rice, along with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. You’ll notice the broth becoming heartier as the rice absorbs the flavors.
• After the rice is cooked, add 8 ounces of shredded chicken breast meat into the pot. Stir to combine, ensuring the chicken is heated through.
• In a separate bowl, whisk 2 large eggs with 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice until smooth. This mixture will bring creaminess to your soup.
• To temper the eggs, slowly ladle a small amount of hot broth into the egg mixture while stirring constantly. This step is crucial to prevent the eggs from scrambling when added to the soup.
• Gradually stir the tempered egg mixture back into the soup while it’s off the heat. This will create that signature creamy texture without cooking the eggs too fast.
• Finally, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy the warm embrace of flavors as you dig into this bowl of Avgolemono Soup.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will meld beautifully over time.
• Freezing: Can you freeze this? Yes, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just be aware that the texture of the rice may change slightly upon reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with warm, crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Add-Ins: Feel free to add in other proteins like shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
• Seasonal Variations: In the summer, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or mint for a refreshing touch.

Keyword Avgolemono Soup recipe, comforting soup recipes, easy chicken soup, Greek Avgolemono Soup

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Meet Sienna Blake

I’m Sienna, the detail-obsessed cook of the group! I specialize in baking and perfecting technical recipes so you never have to guess in the kitchen. I have tested this specific recipe multiple times adjusting the measurements and timing to guarantee it is absolutely foolproof and ready for your table. Trust the process, and I promise you’ll get amazing results!