Avgolemono — Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Avgolemono is a classic Greek soup made with chicken, rice, and a creamy lemon sauce. It is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. The combination of the lemon and chicken creates a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the oregano, thyme, and bay leaf and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the chicken and rice and simmer for 15 minutes more.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and eggs until combined. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of the hot broth from the pot.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture into the pot, stirring constantly. Simmer for 5 minutes more.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 890mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 17g
Additional Tips and Variations:
For a vegetarian version of this soup, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and omit the chicken. You can also add other vegetables such as potatoes, zucchini, or spinach. For a creamier soup, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the soup before adding the egg mixture.
Avgolemono is a classic Greek soup that is easy to make and full of flavor. The combination of chicken, rice, and a creamy lemon sauce creates a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for a cold winter night.
