Classic Greek Avgolemono Soup
Experience the comforting taste of a traditional Greek Avgolemono Soup, a delightful chicken soup enriched with a creamy lemon-egg sauce. This heartwarming dish combines tender chicken, rice or orzo pasta, and aromatic spices for a nourishing meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Ideal for sharing with family and friends, this Avgolemono Soup serves as both a satisfying appetizer and a wonderful main course that warms the soul.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole chicken
1 (Cleaned and whole)
Rice or orzo pasta
1 cup (Uncooked)
Onion
1 (Peeled and quartered)
Avgolemono sauce
to taste (Prepared with eggs and lemon juice)
Salt
to taste (Coarse or fine salt)
Pepper
to taste (Freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the whole chicken in a large stock pot and filling it with enough water to fully submerge the chicken.
2
Bring the water to a vigorous boil, and skim off any foam that rises to the top for a clearer broth.
3
Once the foam is removed, add one whole onion—peeled and quartered—and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Allow the chicken to simmer for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and easily falls off the bone.
5
Carefully remove the cooked chicken and onion from the pot, setting them aside to cool slightly.
6
Add the rice or orzo to the simmering broth and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
7
While the rice or orzo is cooking, prepare the avgolemono sauce by whisking together the eggs and the juice of 2-3 lemons in a separate bowl until smooth.
8
When the rice or orzo is ready, reduce the heat and gradually mix in the avgolemono sauce into the soup, stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling.
9
Shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot.
10
Serve hot, garnished with additional lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Greek Avgolemono Soup?
Avgolemono is a traditional Greek chicken soup known for its rich, creamy texture achieved through a signature sauce made of eggs and lemon juice.
What are the primary ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include a whole chicken, rice or orzo pasta, an onion, lemon juice, eggs, salt, and pepper.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should simmer for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it is tender and falls off the bone.
Can I use orzo instead of rice?
Yes, you can use either 1 cup of rice or 1 cup of orzo pasta depending on your preference.
What is the secret to a clear broth for Avgolemono?
To achieve a clearer broth, bring the water to a boil and skim off any foam that rises to the top before adding other ingredients.
How is the avgolemono sauce prepared?
The sauce is made by whisking together eggs and the juice of 2-3 lemons in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth.
How do I prevent the eggs from curdling in the soup?
Reduce the heat and gradually mix the avgolemono sauce into the soup while stirring continuously to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
Do I leave the onion in the soup?
No, the onion is used to flavor the broth. You should remove it from the pot once the chicken is finished cooking.
How long should I cook the rice or orzo?
Once added to the simmering broth, the rice or orzo typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes to become tender.
Is Avgolemono Soup served hot or cold?
This soup is best served hot, often garnished with fresh herbs and extra lemon wedges.
How much lemon juice is needed for the sauce?
The recipe recommends using the juice of 2 to 3 lemons, though you can adjust this to taste.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
While a whole chicken provides a richer broth, you can use chicken breasts, though you may need to adjust the simmering time.
What kind of rice is best for this recipe?
Standard white rice is traditionally used, but any medium or short-grain rice works well for a creamy consistency.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, nourishing, and heartwarming meal suitable for a light lunch or dinner.
Should the chicken be shredded or chopped?
The instructions suggest shredding the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the pot.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While specific serving counts vary, a whole chicken recipe typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Can I add other spices to the soup?
The classic recipe uses salt and freshly ground pepper, but you can add herbs like dill or parsley as a garnish.
What is the role of the onion in this recipe?
A whole onion, peeled and quartered, is simmered with the chicken to provide an aromatic base for the broth.
Does the recipe require a specific type of salt?
You can use either coarse or fine salt based on your personal preference.
What is the texture of Avgolemono Soup?
It has a smooth, creamy, and velvety texture created by the egg-lemon emulsion, rather than using heavy cream.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but be aware that the rice or orzo may continue to absorb the broth over time, so you might need to add a little water or stock when reheating.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
It is tagged as an 'easy to make' recipe, though care must be taken when adding the egg sauce to the hot liquid.
What can I serve with Avgolemono?
It is often served as a main course or as an appetizer alongside crusty bread or a fresh Greek salad.
Do I need to whisk the eggs until they are frothy?
Yes, whisking the eggs and lemon juice until smooth and slightly frothy helps create the iconic creamy texture.
Can I use store-bought chicken stock?
You can, but the traditional method of boiling a whole chicken creates a more authentic and flavorful homemade broth.
How do I prep the chicken before boiling?
The chicken should be cleaned and left whole before being submerged in the stock pot.
What happens if I don't stir when adding the sauce?
If you don't stir continuously, the eggs may cook too quickly and curdle, resulting in bits of cooked egg rather than a smooth sauce.
Can I use lemon zest in the soup?
While not in the basic recipe, adding a bit of lemon zest can enhance the citrus aroma of the dish.
What category does this dish fall into?
It is categorized as a Greek soup, specifically a traditional lemon-chicken comfort food.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat slowly over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid bringing it to a rolling boil to prevent the egg sauce from separating.