Creamy Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Experience the delightful flavors of Greece with this Creamy Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, also known as Soupa Avgolemono. This traditional dish combines the comforting essence of homemade chicken broth with tender vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a luscious lemon-egg mixture that brings a creamy finish to the soup. Perfect for warm gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe serves up to six people, offering a nutritious and satisfying meal that resonates with the warmth of Greek hospitality.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken broth
8 cups (homemade or store-bought)
Carrot
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Celery
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Rice
1/2 cup (uncooked)
Eggs
2 (well beaten)
Fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
2
Add the finely chopped carrots, celery, onion, and rice to the pot. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice and vegetables are tender.
3
Once the rice and vegetables are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and set aside, allowing it to cool slightly.
4
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the well-beaten eggs and fresh lemon juice. To temper the egg mixture, gradually whisk in about a cup of the hot broth from the soup, beating constantly.
5
Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot of soup, whisking vigorously to combine.
6
Return the soup pot to a low heat. Stir continuously and allow the soup to cook over low heat for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Make sure not to bring it to a boil after adding the eggs, as this can cause curdling.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Greek Lemon Chicken Soup?
Also known as Soupa Avgolemono, it is a traditional Greek dish that combines chicken broth, vegetables, rice, and a unique lemon-egg mixture for a creamy finish.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe serves up to six people.
What are the main ingredients in Avgolemono?
The main ingredients include chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, rice, eggs, and fresh lemon juice.
How long does it take to cook the rice and vegetables?
The rice and vegetables should simmer in the chicken broth for about 20 minutes or until they are tender.
How do you make the soup creamy without dairy?
The creaminess is achieved by tempering a mixture of well-beaten eggs and fresh lemon juice with hot broth and then stirring it back into the soup.
What is tempering in this recipe?
Tempering is the process of gradually whisking hot broth into the egg and lemon mixture to raise its temperature slowly, preventing the eggs from curdling when added to the pot.
Can I boil the soup after adding the egg mixture?
No, you should never bring the soup to a boil after adding the eggs, as the high heat will cause the eggs to curdle and ruin the texture.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What type of chicken broth should I use?
You can use 8 cups of either homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
The carrots, celery, and onions should all be finely chopped to ensure they cook evenly and integrate well with the broth.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 well-beaten eggs.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and nutritious, containing fresh vegetables and lean protein from the broth and eggs.
What kind of rice is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of uncooked white rice.
How do I thicken the soup after adding the egg mixture?
Stir the soup continuously over low heat for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
Yes, freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the authentic bright flavor essential for Greek lemon soup.
Can I add extra protein to the soup?
While not explicitly in the ingredients list, adding cooked shredded chicken is a common and delicious variation.
What is the first step in the instructions?
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
What happens if the soup is too hot when adding eggs?
If the soup is too hot or boiling, the eggs will cook instantly and create clumps (curdling) rather than a smooth, creamy sauce.
How much carrot is needed?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of finely chopped carrots.
How much celery is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of finely chopped celery.
How much onion is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion.
Can I substitute rice for something else?
While this recipe uses rice, traditional variations often use orzo pasta.
Is this soup suitable for a cozy night in?
Yes, it is described as a perfect comfort food for warm gatherings or a cozy night in.
What is the total ingredient count?
The recipe consists of 7 main ingredients.
What does 'well-beaten' eggs mean?
It means the eggs should be whisked until they are fully combined and frothy before adding the lemon juice.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as family-friendly and is loved for its comforting flavor.
Why is it important to stir continuously during the final step?
Stirring continuously ensures the egg mixture incorporates evenly and thickens without sticking to the bottom or curdling.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Tags include greek, soup, lemon, comfort food, chicken, avgolemono, healthy, homemade, and family-friendly.
Does the soup use any oil or butter?
No, this specific recipe relies on the broth and egg emulsion for its richness without added oils or butter.
How long should I wait before tempering the eggs?
The pot should be removed from heat and allowed to cool slightly before you begin whisking the hot broth into the egg mixture.