Avgolemono Soup
Avgolemono Soup is a traditional Greek dish, perfect for a warm and comforting meal. This creamy, lemony soup combines the rich flavors of chicken broth and egg, making it both simple and delicious. Serve it warm and enjoy the freshness of parsley and green onions as a garnish!
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Level
Medium
Serves
4
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil over medium heat.
- 2
Once boiling, add 1/2 cup of uncooked orzo pasta and cook for about 8 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
- 3
While the orzo cooks, in a bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs and 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice until well combined and frothy.
- 4
Once the orzo is al dente, ladle about 1 cup of hot broth into the egg and lemon mixture, whisking constantly. This will temper the eggs and prevent them from curdling.
- 5
Slowly pour the egg mixture back into the pot with the soup, stirring gently. Keep the heat on low to avoid boiling the soup.
- 6
Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley and 3 sliced green onions into the soup for added flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 7
Finish the soup by drizzling with 1 tablespoon of olive oil before serving.
Tips
For creamier soup, you can blend a portion of the soup before adding the egg mixture.
Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Make sure to whisk the eggs and lemon juice continuously to avoid curdling.
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Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra broth if it thickens too much as it cools.
- Avoid freezing as the egg can change texture.
Substitutions
- If you don't have orzo, you can use rice or couscous as an alternative.
- Lemon juice can be substituted with fresh lime juice for a different flavor.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier option.
What to Serve With
- Crusty bread for dipping
- Simple side salad with vinaigrette
- Grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
Common Mistakes
- Not tempering the egg mixture before adding it to the broth, which can cause curdling.
- Overcooking the orzo, leading to a mushy texture.
- Not using enough fresh lemon juice, which adds essential brightness to the soup.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Avgolemono Soup?
It's not recommended to freeze this soup due to the egg mixture which can separate.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Saucepan
Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.
Skillet
Useful for browning, quick sautes, and weeknight one-pan cooking.
Chef knife
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