"Avgolemono Soupa" - Egg Lemon Soup
Avgolemono Soup is a classic Greek egg and lemon chicken broth soup with a creamy, tangy flavor. Perfect for comforting meals and those who enjoy bright, citrusy dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add rice to boiling chicken broth and cook until done.
- Beat the eggs until light in color, then add lemon juice and mix well.
- Slowly add 1 cup of hot broth to the egg mixture, beating vigorously to prevent curdling.
- Pour the egg and broth mixture into the remaining soup and stir well.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
- Serve the soup immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using short-grain rice, which absorbs more liquid and releases starch. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best for flavor. To enhance the dish, feel free to add cooked chicken pieces from Marcia Abrams' Chicken or vegetables like spinach for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Avgolemono Soupa hot, garnished with chopped parsley for freshness. It pairs beautifully with a light side like Spinach Salad With Strawberries And Almonds And Sesame Seed or crusty bread for a complete meal. This soup also makes an excellent starter for Mediterranean meals or alongside grilled chicken recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Avgolemono Soupa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the eggs from curdling. Stir constantly and add a splash of broth to revive the soup's consistency if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Avgolemono Soupa" - Egg Lemon Soup contains roughly 2236 calories, with 40g protein, 460g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (113% of the Daily Value), calcium (90% of the Daily Value), and protein (80% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2267mg per serving (99% 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 make Avgolemono Soupa ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to add the egg and lemon mixture just before serving to prevent curdling. This ensures the soup retains its creamy texture.
What can I use instead of rice?
If you prefer, you can substitute rice with orzo pasta or even quinoa for a different texture. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these ingredients may require different cooking durations to achieve the desired doneness.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, Avgolemono Soupa can be gluten-free if you use rice or gluten-free pasta as a substitute. Always check the packaging of your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
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).