Avgolemono Soup (Αυγολέμονο - Egg-Lemon Soup)

Recipe & Instructions (US Units)

Ingredients:

• 6 cups good quality chicken broth (homemade preferred)
• 1/2 cup long-grain rice or orzo pasta
• Optional: 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)
• Salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook Rice/Orzo: Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a medium pot. Add the rice or orzo and cook according to package directions, or until tender (about 15-20 minutes for rice, 8-10 for orzo). If adding pre-cooked chicken, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.
2. Prepare Egg-Lemon Mixture: While the rice/orzo cooks, whisk the eggs in a medium bowl until frothy and pale yellow (about 2-3 minutes). Gradually whisk in the fresh lemon juice.
3. Temper the Eggs: Once the rice/orzo is cooked, reduce the heat to low (the broth should not be boiling). Slowly ladle about 1-2 cups of the hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture, whisking constantly. This tempering process prevents the eggs from scrambling when added to the hot soup.
4. Combine: Pour the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the pot with the remaining broth and rice/orzo, stirring constantly.
5. Thicken: Cook over low heat, stirring gently, for a few minutes until the soup thickens slightly. Do NOT let the soup boil, or the eggs will curdle. The soup should be silky smooth.
6. Season and Serve: Remove from heat. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.

What Makes It Special:

Avgolemono is a classic Greek soup known for its unique silky texture and tangy flavor. The magic happens when eggs and lemon juice are whisked together and carefully tempered with hot chicken broth, creating a creamy, rich consistency without any dairy. Often containing rice or orzo and sometimes shredded chicken, it's both comforting and invigorating—a staple remedy for colds and a beloved comfort food in Greek households.