Sunshine in a Bowl: Classic Avgolemono Soup

Craving a creamy, lemony hug? This Avgolemono Soup recipe is sunshine in a bowl! Authentic Greek lemon chicken soup with rice, ready in 45. Get my tips! ... Global Cuisine
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of sunshine in a bowl? Honestly, this avgolemono soup recipe is the answer. It's like a warm, lemony hug – proper comfort food with a Greek twist!
Brief Overview
Avgolemono soup , or greek lemon chicken soup, has been a staple in greece for centuries. this creamy and vibrant soup is surprisingly easy to make.
It takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Okay, right then! Let's get this show on the road. It balances rich chicken broth with the tang of lemon and a velvety egg finish. You'll be transported straight to the Mediterranean!
Main Benefits
Avgolemono chicken soup with rice is packed with protein and vitamin c. it’s perfect for a chilly day or when you're feeling a bit under the weather.
This soup makes you feel proper good.
This lemony chicken rice soup isn't just any old soup. It's special because of the perfectly balanced flavors and creamy texture. It's a winner every time!
Now, i've had a proper look at your avgolemono soup recipe and . it sounds absolutely smashing! you know?, it's all about getting that creamy, lemony goodness just right .
And trust me, it’s easier than you think! ready to see what you'll need?
Sunshine in a Bowl: Classic Avgolemono Soup Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients for Your Sunshine Bowl
Right, let's get this show on the road. i've had a proper look at your avgolemono soup recipe and .
To make this amazing easy avgolemono soup , you will require the following ingredients:
Right then! Let's get this show on the road. I've had a proper look at your Avgolemono Soup recipe and . It sounds absolutely smashing!

Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty-Gritty
Okay, so you want to whip up some sunshine in a bowl ? avgolemono soup is where it's at. but before we dive in, let's gather our bits and bobs.
I've made this greek lemon chicken soup a million times. honestly, the better the ingredients, the better the soup. simple as that.
Main Ingredients: Measure for Measure
- Chicken Broth: 8 cups (that's 1.9 Liters, for my friends across the pond). Go for low-sodium. You can always add salt, you can't take it away.
- Cooked Chicken: 1 cup (about 200g). Shredded or diced. Leftover roast chicken is perfect here. Makes it extra easy!
- Long-Grain Rice: ½ cup (100g). Rinse it first! Gets rid of extra starch.
- Carrot: 1 medium , diced (roughly ½ cup)
- Onion: 1 small , diced (again, around ½ cup)
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!
Seasoning Notes: A Pinch of This, A Dash of That
This isn't just any chicken soup. We need that zing! Lemon is key.
- Lemon: Juice of 2-3 lemons . That's about 6-8 tablespoons (90-120 ml). Taste as you go. Some lemons are more tart than others.
- Essential Spice Combination: Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish. It brings a freshness that just sings!
- Flavor Enhancers: Salt and fresh cracked Black Pepper.
Trying to find a Creamy Lemon Soup or Avgolemono Orzo alternative, a good substitution option is to add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm flavor.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need a fancy kitchen for Easy Avgolemono Soup .
- Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven: This is your workhorse.
- Whisk: For those eggs!
- Ladle: For serving, of course.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Gets the quantities spot on.
Don't have a whisk? A fork will do in a pinch. Dutch oven? Use a large pot with a lid. No stress, love!
"the best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.
" - helen keller. the love you put into your avgolemono chicken soup with rice will make it the best.
Honestly, making avgolemono soup isn't about perfection. it's about the process, the smells, and the joy of creating something delicious.
So, relax, have a laugh, and don't be afraid to experiment! and remember, the most important ingredient is always love! i've had a proper look at your avelomono soup , and it sounds awesome.
Right then! let's get this show on the road. i've had a proper look at your avgolemono soup recipe and .
It sounds absolutely smashing! i reckon we can make this sound totally amazing. honestly, making avgolemono soup can seem daunting, but trust me, it's easier than perfecting a victoria sponge.
Let's dive in!
Sunshine in a Bowl: Making Magic with Avgolemono Soup
Okay, so avgolemono chicken soup with rice (or greek lemon chicken soup , as some call it) is basically sunshine in a bowl.
It's a traditional greek soup that’s incredibly comforting. i think about it like a warm hug, perfect when you're feeling a bit under the weather, or just fancy something light and flavourful.
We are aiming for authentic avgolemono recipe here! the trick is in the tempering of the eggs. more on that later, avelomono soup here we come!
Prep Like a Pro: Setting the Stage for Success
Essential mise en place is key. you know? chop your veggies: 1 medium carrot and 1 small onion into little dice.
Shred about 1 cup (200g) of already cooked chicken – leftover roast chicken works a treat! rinse ½ cup (100g) of long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
This gets rid of the excess starch, preventing the soup from becoming gluey.
Time-saving tip? Chop the veg the night before, saves so much time! Safety wise, just remember to wash your hands after handling raw chicken before the rest of the preparation.
The Step-by-Step: From Humble Ingredients to Greek Glory
Okay, here's the nitty-gritty:
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large stockpot, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and carrot until softened, about 5 minutes .
- Build the Base: Add 8 cups (1.9 Liters) of low-sodium chicken broth and the rinsed rice to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer Time: Reduce the heat and simmer gently until the rice is cooked through, about 20 minutes . You want it nice and tender.
- Chicken In: Add the shredded chicken to the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking time. Just enough to warm it through.
- Egg Prep: Separate 3 large eggs , yolks from whites, into different bowls. Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Lemon Power: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they're light and pale. Gradually whisk in the juice of 2-3 lemons (about 6-8 tbsp ), depending on how lemony you like it. Start with less then taste, you know?
- Temper Like a Boss: This is where the magic happens. Slowly ladle about ½ cup (120ml) of hot broth from the pot into the egg-lemon mixture, whisking constantly ! Repeat this several times, gradually increasing the amount of broth each time.
- Incorporate Egg Whites: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the lemon yolk mixture. This adds volume and lightness to the final soup.
- Combine and Heat (Gently!): Slowly pour the tempered egg-lemon mixture into the stockpot while stirring constantly.
- Heat Through (Do Not Boil!): Heat the soup very gently over low heat, stirring constantly, until the soup thickens slightly. Be careful not to let it boil, or the eggs will curdle. The soup should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Pro Tips for Avgolemono Awesomeness
Tempering is key. seriously. take your time and don't rush it, or you'll end up with scrambled egg soup (which, let's be honest, isn't the end of the world, but it's not avgolemono !).
A common mistake is boiling the soup after adding the egg mixture. no! gentle heat only! if you're worried, take the pot off the heat completely while adding the egg mixture, then return it to the lowest setting.
Creamy lemon soup has never been easier! for easy avgolemono soup , you can use leftover cooked rice. just add it with the chicken.
Honestly, that trick can save a lot of time.
And there you have it! a bowl of sunshine. garnish with fresh parsley and tuck in. now that you know how to make avgolemono soup , you'll have a batch ready in no time.
Enjoy!
Right then! let's get this show on the road. i've had a proper look at your avgolemono soup recipe. it sounds absolutely smashing! now, before you dive headfirst into making the best avgolemono chicken soup with rice ever, let's have a quick chinwag about a few essential notes.
Recipe Notes for the Perfect Bowl of Sunshine
This Creamy Lemon Soup is divine, but a little planning never hurt anyone. Seriously though, a bit of forethought can elevate it from good to gobsmacking good. Trust me on this one!
Ace Serving Suggestions, Guv'nor!
Presentation matters, even if you’re just scoffing it down on your own in front of the telly. i like to serve mine in a deep bowl with a generous scattering of fresh parsley.
Maybe even a cheeky lemon wedge on the side. for sides, think crusty bread for dipping. a simple greek salad goes down a treat too.
And if you're feeling fancy, a glass of chilled dry white wine, like a sauvignon blanc, is the bees knees.
Storage Sorted, Mate!
Okay, so you've made a stonking great batch of avelomono soup . what do you do with the leftovers? honestly, if there are any leftovers.
Refrigerate it sharpish, within two hours of cooking. it'll keep for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. freezing isn't ideal, as the texture can change.
The egg can get a bit weird. but, if you must freeze it, do it in portions. reheat gently on the hob, stirring constantly, and please don't let it boil.
Variations: Spice It Up, Buttercup!
Want to jazz things up? you can easily make this greek lemon chicken soup vegetarian. swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and add chickpeas.
Bob's your uncle! for a seasonal twist, try adding some roasted butternut squash in the autumn. yum! you could even try using avgolemono orzo instead of rice for a different texture.
Nutrition Basics – Knowledge is Power!
Easy avgolemono soup is relatively healthy, as far as comfort food goes. it's packed with protein from the chicken and eggs.
The lemon gives you a lovely vitamin c boost. plus, it's lower in calories than a lot of creamy soups.
Just be mindful of the sodium content if you're using shop-bought broth. i often wonder how to make avgolemono soup healthier.
So, for a healthier take use low-sodium broth!
So there you have it. all you need to know to whip up a cracking authentic avgolemono recipe . go on, give it a go! this lemony chicken rice soup is a winner.
You'll absolutely nail it! now, get cooking! you won't regret it.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my avgolemono soup curdle? Oh crumbs!
Curdling is usually caused by adding the egg-lemon mixture to the hot broth too quickly or by overheating the soup after adding it. Tempering the eggs properly by slowly adding hot broth to the egg-lemon mixture before combining it with the rest of the soup is key. Also, remember never to boil the soup after adding the avgolemono; gentle heat is essential to keep it smooth and creamy, like a proper custard.
Can I make avgolemono soup ahead of time, or will it be a soggy bottom?
It's best to enjoy avgolemono soup fresh. While you can technically refrigerate it, the texture might change slightly upon reheating and it can get a bit thicker. If you must make it ahead, store the broth and the avgolemono sauce separately, then combine and gently heat just before serving, taking extra care not to boil it. Like a good soufflé, it's best straight away!
How can I make avgolemono soup vegetarian? I'm not chicken!
Turning avgolemono soup into a vegetarian delight is simple! Just substitute the chicken broth with a good quality vegetable broth. To add some protein and texture, consider adding cooked chickpeas or cannellini beans. You could even throw in some extra veggies like diced zucchini or spinach for an added nutritional boost. It's still sunshine in a bowl, just without the cluck!
What's the best way to get that perfect lemony flavour in my avgolemono soup?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is non-negotiable for the most vibrant flavour in your avgolemono soup. Start with the juice of two lemons and add more to taste, depending on your preference for tartness and the lemons' acidity. Remember, bottled lemon juice often lacks the bright, zesty notes of fresh, so invest in some good lemons for a truly authentic taste. It's the "zing" that makes the thing!
I'm watching my waistline, what are the nutritional considerations for avgolemono soup?
Avgolemono soup can be relatively healthy! Using low-sodium chicken broth will help control the sodium content. It provides a good source of protein and moderate calories. You can lighten it further by using less rice or substituting with cauliflower rice. And remember, it’s all about balance! A bit of sunshine never hurt anyone.
Can I substitute the rice in avgolemono soup for something else?
Absolutely! If you're not a fan of rice, orzo pasta makes a fantastic alternative, adding a lovely texture to the soup. Quinoa is another great option for a gluten-free alternative with a bit more protein, using a 1:1 ratio. You could even try adding small diced potatoes for a heartier feel, just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly. It’s your soup, make it your own!