Lemon Soup
Lemon Soup offers a comforting blend of tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and bright lemon flavor. Its light, nourishing profile makes it perfect for a soothing meal or a starter that delights with citrusy freshness and hearty rice. Ideal for those seeking a warm, flavorful dish with a citrus twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chicken, vegetables, and water to cover in a saucepan. Cook chicken until tender.
- Remove and chop chicken into pieces; set aside.
- Combine rice with broth in a saucepan.
- Cook just until rice is tender.
- Season to your taste.
- Beat egg yolks and lemon juice; whisk a small amount of hot liquid (soup) into egg mixture.
- Then whisk egg mixture back into the soup.
- Add chicken.
- Heat just to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, sauté the onion, celery, and carrot in olive oil before adding the chicken. You can substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version. Consider using leftover roast chicken for a quick meal. Adjust the acidity by adding more or less lemon juice based on your preference. If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad, such as Shrimp Pasta Salad, for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside Yellow Rice And Chicken to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if the soup thickens too much. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling the egg mixture. Freezing is not recommended due to the egg yolk.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Soup contains roughly 457 calories, with 16g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (65% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1398mg per serving (61% 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 this soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the lemon and egg mixture right before serving to maintain its freshness. This allows you to enjoy a delicious homemade soup without the last-minute hassle.
What can I use instead of chicken?
You can replace the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Tofu or tempeh can be used for a plant-based protein source, making this dish adaptable to various diets while maintaining its delicious flavor.
How do I adjust the soup's thickness?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the cooked soup and return it to the pot. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) to the simmering soup until the desired thickness is reached.
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).