Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe – A Homemade Classic

Winter brings a craving for warm, comforting soup. My grandmother’s Greek lemon chicken soup, or Avgolemono, was a family favorite. The smell of chicken, broth, and lemon filled our home, bringing us together.

Avgolemono is more than a soup; it’s a family tradition. Passed down through generations, it showcases the best of Mediterranean cuisine. This homemade version is richer and more satisfying than any restaurant dish.

Key Takeaways

• Avgolemono soup is a traditional Greek dish made with chicken broth, rice or orzo, and a creamy lemon-egg mixture.
• The soup is low in fat, yet packed with protein, antioxidants, and immune-boosting nutrients from the chicken, vegetables, and fresh lemon juice.
• This homemade version of Greek lemon chicken soup offers a richer, more authentic flavor compared to restaurant offerings.
• The recipe is relatively simple to prepare and yields about four servings, making it a great option for a comforting, nourishing meal.
• Avgolemono soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months, providing convenient meal options.

Introduction to Avgolemono: The Traditional Greek Soup

Avgolemono, pronounced av-g(w)o-le-mono, is a beloved staple in Greek cuisine. This creamy, comforting soup is a quintessential part of Greek culinary heritage. It’s often served during the winter months and at special occasions. Its unique flavor and cultural significance make Avgolemono a true gem in the world of traditional recipes and comfort food.

Origins and Cultural Significance

Avgolemono has deep roots in Greek culinary traditions, dating back centuries. The name itself translates to “egg-lemon” in Greek, reflecting the key ingredients. These ingredients give the soup its creamy texture and tangy flavor. Beyond being a standalone dish, Avgolemono is also used as a sauce in other beloved Greek dishes, showing its cultural importance.

What Makes Avgolemono Special

What sets Avgolemono apart is its unique preparation method. This method allows the soup to achieve a rich, velvety consistency without cream. The secret lies in the careful incorporation of egg yolks and lemon juice. These ingredients work together to create a luxurious, silky broth.

Health Benefits Overview

Avgolemono not only delights the palate but also offers several health benefits. With only 13% of its calories coming from fat, this soup is a relatively low-fat option. The inclusion of protein-rich chicken and the immune-boosting properties of lemon make Avgolemono a nourishing and wholesome choice. It’s a comforting yet healthy meal for those seeking it.

“Avgolemono is a timeless Greek classic, a symphony of flavors that nourishes both the body and the soul.”

Essential Ingredients for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Making a true Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, or Avgolemono, needs the right ingredients. At its core is a rich chicken broth, made with whole chicken pieces. This method gives the soup a deep, gelatinous base.

Short or medium-grain rice is the traditional choice, but orzo pasta is a tasty alternative. Yellow onion, celery, carrot, and garlic add flavor to the broth. Fresh herbs like dill add a fragrant touch.

• Whole chicken pieces with skin and bones
• Short or medium-grain rice (or orzo pasta)
• Yellow onion, celery, carrot, garlic
• Fresh dill for garnish
• Lemon juice and zest
• Eggs (yolks and whites separated)

The egg-lemon mix is key to Avgolemono. It’s slowly added to the soup, making it creamy and smooth. This mix of chicken broth, lemon, and eggs makes the soup both comforting and refreshing.

Kitchen Equipment and Preparation Steps

Making the perfect Greek lemon chicken soup needs the right tools and techniques. You’ll need a few key items to start:

• A large pot or Dutch oven for simmering the chicken broth
• A slotted spoon to remove cooked chicken and vegetables from the broth
• Mixing bowls for separating egg yolks and whites
• A whisk or hand mixer for properly incorporating the egg mixture

Ingredient Preparation Techniques

Before cooking, prepare your ingredients well. Peel and dice the carrots, celery, and onions. Separate the egg yolks and whites for the avgolemono sauce. Also, juice the lemons for the right tangy flavor.

Time Management Tips

Use pre-made chicken broth and leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. This can cut down cooking time by up to 45 minutes. But, making the chicken broth from scratch is best for flavor. You can make it ahead and freeze it for later.

With the right kitchen equipment and preparation, you’ll make a tasty Greek lemon chicken soup. It will impress everyone. Just plan your time well, and you’ll have a warm, comforting bowl of this classic dish.

Making the Perfect Chicken Broth Base

The heart of the Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is the homemade chicken broth. To make a flavorful base, simmer chicken pieces with veggies and spices for about 1.5 hours. Use a slotted spoon to remove any foam that forms.

After the chicken is cooked, separate it from the veggies and broth. Throw away the onion and celery leaves but keep the carrots for sweetness and texture.

To add more flavor, sauté the veggies in olive oil before adding them to the broth. This step caramelizes the sugars, making the soup taste richer. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and your broth is ready to be the base of the Greek Lemon Chicken Soup.

Quality chicken broth is key to a great soup. By making your own, seasoned broth, you’ll enjoy a soup that truly tastes like authentic Greek cuisine.

FAQ

What is avgolemono soup?

Avgolemono is a traditional Greek chicken-rice soup. It’s made with chicken broth, rice or orzo pasta, and a creamy lemon-egg sauce. This makes it a comforting dish.

What does “avgolemono” mean?

Avgolemono means “egg and lemon” in Greek. It’s the name for this soup because of its main ingredients.

What are the health benefits of avgolemono soup?

This soup is healthy. It has low fat, is high in protein, and boosts your immune system with vitamin C from lemons.

What ingredients are used in traditional Greek lemon chicken soup?

It includes whole chicken pieces, rice, carrots, onion, celery leaves, eggs, and lemon juice. You also need yellow onion, celery, carrot, garlic, and bay leaves for flavor.

What kitchen equipment is needed to make this soup?

You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven, a slotted spoon, mixing bowls, and a whisk or mixer for the egg-lemon sauce.

How do you make the chicken broth for this soup?

To make the broth, simmer chicken pieces with veggies and aromatics for 1.5 hours. Skim off any foam. This broth is key to the soup’s flavor.

Source Links

• The Ultimate and Authentic Avgolemono Soup (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup) – https://www.olivetomato.com/authentic-avgolemono-soup/
• Greek Lemon Chicken Soup – https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/greek-lemon-chicken-soup/
• Avgolemono (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup) – Kenna’s Cooks – https://kennascooks.com/avgolemono-greek-lemon-chicken-soup/
• Avgolemono Soup (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup) – https://www.theroastedroot.net/avgolemono-soup-greek-lemon-chicken-soup/
• Greek Lemon Chicken Rice Soup (Avgolemono) | PrimalGourmet – https://cookprimalgourmet.com/recipes/greek-lemon-chicken-rice-soup-avgolemono/
• Avgolemono Soup…Greek Chicken Soup with Lemon – https://girlandthekitchen.com/avgolemono-soup-greek-chicken-soup-lemon/
• Savory Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe – https://homesteadingfamily.com/savory-greek-lemon-chicken-soup-recipe/
• Avgolemono (egg and lemon) soup with chicken (Σούπα αυγολέμονο με κοτόπουλο) – https://miakouppa.com/avgolemono-egg-and-lemon-soup-with-chicken/
• Avgolemono Soup (Greek Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup) – https://downshiftology.com/recipes/avgolemono-soup/
• Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono in 30 Minutes!) – https://beatthebudget.com/recipe/greek-lemon-chicken-soup/
• Avgolemono Soup – Once Upon a Chef – https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/avgolemono-chicken-soup-with-rice.html