Description
This Traditional Greek Lemon Rice Soup (Avgolemono) is a creamy, comforting, and zesty dish made with simple ingredients like eggs, lemon juice, rice, and chicken broth. A cozy Mediterranean favorite perfect for any season.
Ingredients
For the Soup
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6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
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1/2 cup white rice (medium or long grain)
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3 large eggs
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1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
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1 to 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
Instructions
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Cook the Rice
In a large soup pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender. -
Whisk the Eggs and Lemon
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and fresh lemon juice until light and frothy. This forms the creamy base of the soup. -
Temper the Egg Mixture
Slowly add 1 cup of hot broth to the egg-lemon mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling. -
Combine with the Soup
Pour the tempered mixture back into the pot slowly, stirring gently. Keep the heat low—do not boil. -
Add Chicken (Optional)
Stir in the shredded chicken if using, and let it warm for a few minutes. -
Season and Garnish
Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley or dill and serve immediately.
Notes
Always temper the eggs slowly with hot broth to prevent curdling. Never boil the soup after adding the egg-lemon mixture or the texture may become grainy. For extra richness, you can use orzo instead of rice or add sautéed onions. This soup is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Avgolemono soup, Greek lemon soup, Traditional Greek soup, Lemon rice soup, Creamy chicken soup, Mediterranean soup, Comfort food, Greek recipes