Avgolemono Greek Soup: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe
Avgolemono soup, a classic Greek comfort food, is known for its creamy, lemony texture and subtly complex flavor. This simple recipe will guide you through creating this delicious soup from scratch. It's perfect for a light lunch, a comforting dinner, or even a special occasion.
Ingredients for Authentic Avgolemono
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings of this delightful soup. Adjust quantities as needed for more or fewer portions.
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For the Broth:
- 8 cups of chicken broth (homemade is best!)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 cup cooked rice (or orzo pasta)
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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For the Avgolemono Mixture:
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Perfect Avgolemono
Follow these simple steps for a flawlessly creamy and flavorful Avgolemono soup:
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
- In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the cooked rice (or orzo). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Create the Avgolemono Mixture
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, and cold water until light and frothy. The cold water helps to temper the eggs, preventing them from scrambling in the hot soup. This step is crucial for a smooth texture.
Step 3: Combining and Finishing the Soup
- Remove the soup from the heat. Slowly drizzle about 1 cup of the hot soup into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. This prevents curdling.
- Gently pour the egg mixture into the remaining soup, whisking continuously. Do not boil the soup after adding the egg mixture; the residual heat will cook the eggs.
- Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley (optional).
Tips for the Best Avgolemono
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon juice is key to the bright, citrusy flavor of avgolemono.
- Don't boil the soup after adding the egg mixture: This will cause the eggs to curdle.
- Adjust the lemon juice to your taste: Some people prefer a more tart avgolemono, while others prefer it milder.
- Make it your own: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as spinach or leeks, to the broth.
Serving Suggestions for your Avgolemono
This delicious soup can be served as a standalone meal or as a starter. It pairs well with crusty bread for dipping or a simple Greek salad. Enjoy!