time4cooking.com
A Traditional Greek Soup
Avgolemono is a traditional Greek soup made with chicken broth, lemon juice, and eggs. This classic comfort food has been enjoyed by generations of Greeks. The soup is light, refreshing, and filling, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Start With the Chicken Broth
To make Avgolemono, you start by preparing the chicken broth. Simmer chicken pieces, onions, carrots, celery, and herbs in water. Once the chicken cooks, remove it from the broth and shred it. Strain the broth to remove the vegetables and herbs, leaving a clear, flavourful base.
The Avgolemono Sauce
Next, you prepare the Avgolemono sauce. Whisk together eggs and lemon juice until they become frothy and light. Gradually add the hot broth to the egg-lemon mixture, stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. Once combined, pour the sauce back into the pot of broth. Add the shredded chicken to the soup and heat it through.
Served With a Sprinkle of Fresh Parsley
Avgolemono is typically served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a piece of crusty bread. The lemony flavour of the soup is bright and refreshing, while the chicken adds heartiness, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
The Origins of Avgolemono Soup
The origins of Avgolemono are not entirely clear, but many believe the Persians introduced it to Greece during their occupation in the 5th century BC. The word “Avgolemono” comes from the Greek words “avgo” (egg) and “lemono” (lemon), reflecting its key ingredients.
A Soup with Healing Properties
Avgolemono has become a staple in Greek cuisine. People often serve it at special occasions like weddings and Easter celebrations. Many also believe the lemon and chicken in the soup have healing properties, making it a popular choice for those feeling under the weather.
Variations of the Recipe
While the basic recipe for Avgolemono is simple, many variations exist. Some people add rice or orzo to make the soup more filling. Others include vegetables like spinach or artichokes for extra flavour. For a vegetarian version, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
A Delicious and Comforting Soup
Regardless of the variations, Avgolemono remains a delicious and comforting soup loved by many. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With its bright lemony flavour and hearty chicken, Avgolemono is sure to warm your soul and fill your belly.
How to Make Aygolemono Chicken Soup
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
2 quarts water
1 large onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 bay leaves
teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup long-grain rice
3 eggs
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
Lemon wedges, for serving
Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine the chicken, water, onion, celery, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 1 1/2 hours, or until the chicken is very tender.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Discard the bay leaves.
- Bring the broth to a boil over high heat. Add the rice and return to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. Gradually whisk in the lemon juice.
- Remove the pot from the heat and ladle about 1 cup of the hot broth into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Gradually whisk the egg mixture back into the pot.
- Remove the skin and bones from the chicken and shred the meat into bite-size pieces. Stir the chicken into the soup.
- Heat the soup over low heat, stirring constantly, until it is hot but not boiling. Serve with lemon wedges and chopped parsley.
