*The Golden Bowl of Comfort: Diving into Avgolemono, Greek Lemon Soup* Oh, friends, if there’s one soup that embodies warmth, comfort, and a surprising zing of freshness all in one spoonful, it has to be *Avgolemono – Greek Lemon Chicken Soup.* How to Make the Brightest, Zestiest Greek Lemon Chicken Soup.
This isn’t just a soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, a staple in Greek homes, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved. Avgolemono is a traditional Greek lemon chicken soup that’s simply comfort in a bowl! It’s a gorgeous, delicious soup made with egg yolks and loads of lemon juice for a warming and satisfying meal.
For those unfamiliar, Avgolemono (pronounced ahv-go-LEH-mo-no) literally translates to “egg-lemon.” And while those are the star ingredients, don’t let the simplicity fool you. The magic lies in the emulsion created when tempered eggs are slowly whisked with lemon juice and then carefully incorporated into a rich chicken broth, often with rice or orzo. The result? A velvety, creamy, and bright soup that’s surprisingly light.
*Why I’m Obsessed with Avgolemono (and why you should be too!):*
– *Ultimate Comfort Food:* On a chilly evening, after a long day, or when you’re feeling a bit under the weather, Avgolemono swoops in like a culinary superhero. It’s nourishing and deeply satisfying.
– *Bright & Zesty:* The lemon isn’t just a background note; it’s a vibrant player that cuts through the richness, leaving your palate feeling refreshed.
– *Simple Elegance:* Despite its sophisticated texture and flavor, Avgolemono is surprisingly straightforward to make. The key is in the technique of tempering the eggs – a skill that, once mastered, opens up a world of creamy soups and sauces!
– *Versatile:* While traditionally made with chicken broth and shredded chicken, you can easily adapt it with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or even add other greens like spinach or kale.
*My Tips for Avgolemono Perfection:*
1. *Quality Broth is Key:* Since the broth forms the base, use a good quality homemade chicken broth if you can. If not, a high-quality store-bought low-sodium broth will do the trick.
2. *Temper, Temper, Temper:* This is the most crucial step! Slowly whisk a ladleful of hot broth into your egg and lemon mixture before adding it back to the main pot. This prevents the eggs from scrambling. Take your time, add the hot liquid gradually, and keep whisking!
3. *Fresh Lemon Juice:* Please, for the love of all that is delicious, use freshly squeezed lemon juice. The bottled stuff just won’t give you that vibrant, authentic flavor.
4. *Don’t Boil After Adding Eggs:* Once the egg-lemon mixture is incorporated, do not bring the soup to a rolling boil, or the sauce might curdle. Just a gentle simmer to heat through is all you need.
So, next time you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and invigorating, give Avgolemono a try. It’s a taste of Greece that will warm you from the inside out and leave you craving more.
*What are your favorite comfort soups? Have you tried Avgolemono before? Let me know in the comments below!*
*INGREDIENTS*
1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive oil
1 cup, 1 medium onion, finely diced
½ cup carrot, finely diced
1 cup, 3 to 4 celery stalks, finely diced
3-4 garlic cloves, finely chopped or pressed through the garlic press
2 bay leaves
6 small skinless chicken thighs, with bone-in. You could substitute 2 skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 350 g total)
6 cups (1.5 liter) chicken stock
½ cup of Jasmine or Basmati rice. Do not use converted, parboiled or cooked rice. You could substitute it with ¾ cup (175 g) orzo pasta.
½ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Depending on your lemons you will need 4 to 5 lemons.
2 egg yolks
A handful of Italian parsley finely minced and or fresh dill
Sea Salt and white pepper to season the chicken
To finish the soup, add sea salt and white pepper. If you prefer a stronger peppery note then freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🌞
Share your thoughts in the comments below after trying this recipe.
I can’t wait to hear about your flavor-packed experiences!
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