Greek Avgolemono Soup Recipe: A Taste of Sunshine in a Bowl
Avgolemono soup, a classic Greek comfort food, is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients. Its creamy, lemony broth, delicately spiced and subtly tangy, is both heartwarming and refreshing. This recipe will guide you through creating this beloved dish, ensuring your avgolemono is perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings. Adjust quantities as needed.
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For the Broth:
- 6 cups of chicken broth (homemade is best, but store-bought works too!)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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For the Avgolemono:
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1/4 cup cold water
Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Avgolemono Masterpiece
Making the Broth: The Foundation of Flavor
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a tablespoon of olive oil until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Don't brown them, just gently soften.
- Add the rice and broth: Stir in the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and tender.
- Season and simmer: Stir in the dried dill, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Mastering the Avgolemono: The Creamy, Lemony Heart
- Whisk the eggs: In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, and cold water until light and frothy. This is crucial for preventing the eggs from scrambling in the soup.
- Temper the eggs: Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot soup into the egg mixture, tempering it slowly. This prevents the eggs from curdling.
- Combine and finish: Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture into the soup pot, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Heat gently over low heat for a few minutes, until the soup slightly thickens. Do not boil. The heat from the soup will cook the eggs.
Serving and Enjoying Your Delicious Avgolemono
Serve your Avgolemono soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh dill or a squeeze of extra lemon juice, if desired. This soup is delicious on its own, or paired with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for Avgolemono Perfection:
- Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes all the difference in flavor and aroma.
- Don't boil the soup after adding the egg mixture: Gentle heating is key to prevent curdling.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Experiment with additions: Some people like to add cooked chicken, orzo pasta, or even spinach to their avgolemono.
This simple yet elegant recipe will allow you to create a truly authentic Greek avgolemono soup, perfect for a comforting meal any time of year. Enjoy the taste of sunshine in every spoonful!