Creamy Avgolemono Soup with Rice and Lemon
Creamy Avgolemono Soup is a beloved traditional dish from Greece and Cyprus, cherished for its comforting flavors and silky texture. This delightful soup combines tender rice or orzo pasta with a luscious, egg-lemon blend, resulting in a warm and soothing meal perfect for chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather. My father's version, often enriched with chopped, tender chicken, brings back cherished memories from my childhood, providing a simple yet nourishing experience. Whether served plain or with added protein, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
6 cups (homemade or store-bought)
rice or orzo pasta
3/4 cup (uncooked)
eggs
3 (lightly beaten)
lemon
1 (juiced)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, add in the uncooked rice or orzo pasta, stirring briefly to prevent sticking.
3
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer. Cook the rice for 20-25 minutes or the orzo for 10 minutes until tender and fully cooked.
4
While the rice or orzo is cooking, prepare the egg-lemon mixture. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs and whisk in the freshly squeezed lemon juice until combined.
5
Once the rice or orzo is done cooking, remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully ladle about one cup of the hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture while continuously whisking to temper the eggs and prevent scrambling.
6
Gradually add the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the saucepan, stirring well to combine, ensuring the broth is well mixed.
7
Return the saucepan to low heat and gently stir until the soup is warmed through, being careful not to let it boil to avoid curdling the eggs.
8
Once heated, serve the soup immediately, garnishing with chopped parsley or additional lemon zest if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Avgolemono Soup?
Creamy Avgolemono Soup is a traditional dish from Greece and Cyprus, known for its silky texture and egg-lemon blend.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients for Avgolemono?
The main ingredients are 6 cups of chicken broth, 3/4 cup of rice or orzo, 3 eggs, and 1 juiced lemon.
What type of broth should I use?
You can use either homemade or store-bought chicken broth.
Can I use pasta instead of rice?
Yes, you can use 3/4 cup of orzo pasta instead of rice.
How long does it take to cook the rice in the broth?
The rice should be simmered for 20-25 minutes until tender.
How long does orzo take to cook?
If using orzo pasta, it takes approximately 10 minutes to cook until tender.
What is the first step in preparing the soup?
The first step is to bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
How do I prepare the egg-lemon mixture?
Lightly beat 3 eggs in a separate bowl and then whisk in the freshly squeezed lemon juice until combined.
What is tempering and how is it done in this recipe?
Tempering involves gradually adding about one cup of hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture while whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
Why is it important not to boil the soup after adding the eggs?
The soup should not boil after adding the eggs to avoid curdling the mixture.
Is it possible to add protein to this soup?
Yes, you can enrich the soup by adding chopped, tender chicken.
What is a good garnish for Avgolemono?
You can garnish the soup with chopped parsley or additional lemon zest.
What heat should I use to warm the soup at the end?
Use low heat to gently warm the soup through after the egg-lemon mixture has been added.
Is this soup good for when you are sick?
Yes, it is often cherished as a nourishing and soothing meal when feeling under the weather.
Does this recipe use cream?
No, the creaminess comes entirely from the egg and lemon emulsion, not from dairy cream.
Should the rice be cooked before adding it to the broth?
No, the rice or orzo should be added to the boiling broth uncooked.
How much lemon is needed?
The recipe calls for the juice of 1 lemon.
What category of meal is this?
It is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
What is the texture of Avgolemono?
The soup has a luscious, creamy, and silky texture.
Should the pot be covered while the rice cooks?
Yes, you should reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot to simmer.
Can I use a whisk for this recipe?
Yes, a whisk is essential for beating the eggs and for the tempering process.
What happens if the eggs scramble?
If the eggs scramble, the soup will lose its silky texture and look curdled; tempering carefully prevents this.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is a beloved traditional recipe from Greece and Cyprus.
What are the tags for this recipe?
Tags include avgolemono, greek soup, egg lemon soup, comfort food, and quick meal.
How many eggs are required for 6 servings?
3 eggs are required for this recipe.
Do I need to stir the rice?
Stir the rice or orzo briefly after adding it to the boiling broth to prevent sticking.
Can this soup be served immediately?
Yes, it should be served immediately once it is warmed through.
What is the preparation for the rice or orzo?
The rice or orzo should be uncooked when added to the soup.
How much rice or orzo is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of rice or orzo pasta.