Avgolemono (Greek)(Egg And Lemon Soup With Rice)
Avgolemono is a classic Greek egg and lemon soup with tender rice, known for its bright citrus flavor and creamy texture. Perfect for comforting meals or when craving a tangy, hearty dish, it suits both casual family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the chicken broth, then add the rice and cook until tender.
- Meanwhile, mix the egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, and pepper and whisk well.
- Gradually add some of the hot chicken broth to the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly to temper the eggs.
- Slowly return the egg mixture into the remaining soup, stirring constantly, and heat gently without boiling.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a creamy texture, ensure the egg yolk mixture is tempered gradually with hot broth. If you want a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg. For a heartier version, you can substitute the rice with orzo pasta. Adjust the lemon juice to taste; some prefer it more tart. If you have leftover chicken, shred it and add to the soup for extra protein.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Avgolemono hot, garnished with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple Greek salad on the side. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Chicken Kiev With Mushrooms. This soup is perfect as a starter or light lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Avgolemono in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the eggs from curdling. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to adjust the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Avgolemono (Greek)(Egg And Lemon Soup With Rice) contains roughly 298 calories, with 9g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and potassium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 951mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of broth for this soup?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or even a beef broth for a different flavor profile. However, chicken broth is traditional and provides the best depth of flavor in Avgolemono.
What can I do if my soup curdles?
If your soup curdles, try to whisk it vigorously to re-emulsify the mixture. If that doesn't work, you can strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the curdled bits while retaining the liquid.
Is it possible to make this soup in advance?
While you can prepare the broth and rice in advance, it's best to add the egg mixture just before serving to maintain the creamy texture. If prepared in advance, reheat gently and add fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).