🍋 Greek Avgolemono Soup Recipe

🍋 Greek Avgolemono Soup Recipe is a medium Greek recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Easy Recipes: Chef Monika Jensen on YouTube.

Prep: 24 min | Cook: 39 min | Total: 1 hr 18 min

Cost: $15.32 total, $3.83 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 piece Precooked Chicken (about 2 lb, shredded; use half for soup, half for other meals)
  • 5 cups Water (for broth)
  • 2 pieces Carrots (peeled and chopped)
  • 1 piece Onion (medium, chopped)
  • 2 stalks Celery Stalks (chopped)
  • 1 cup Zucchini (diced)
  • 1 cup Swiss Chard (optional, chopped)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (peeled and crushed)
  • 1 lemon Lemon Zest (zest of one lemon, for garnish)
  • 2 lemons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 0.5 cup Rice (rinsed; can substitute orzo pasta)
  • 2 pieces Bay Leaves (for flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable or Chicken Bouillon (Vegeta or chicken bouillon)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (blend of dried herbs)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin for sautéing)
  • 2 pieces Eggs (large)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the Chicken Broth

    Place the precooked chicken in a large pot, add 5 cups of water, and bring to a gentle boil.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 100°C

  2. Prep the Vegetables

    Peel and chop the carrots, onion, celery, and zucchini into bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Prepare Aromatics

    Peel the garlic cloves, crush them, zest one lemon, and squeeze the juice of two lemons.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Rinse the Rice

    Place ½ cup of rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Shred the Chicken

    Remove the chicken from the broth, let it cool slightly, and shred half of it for the soup. Reserve the other half for later use.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Sauté the Base Vegetables

    Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat, add the carrots, onion, and celery, and cook until they begin to caramelize.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  7. Add Garlic

    Stir in the crushed garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  8. Cook Rice and Chicken in Broth

    Transfer the sautéed veggies to the pot, add the rinsed rice, shredded chicken, 2 bay leaves, bouillon, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until the rice is tender, about 8 minutes.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: simmer

  9. Add Remaining Vegetables

    Stir in the zucchini (and optional Swiss chard), then continue cooking for another 10 minutes until all vegetables are tender.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: simmer

  10. Prepare Egg‑Lemon Emulsion

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs and the fresh lemon juice until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  11. Temper the Eggs

    Gradually whisk in 1 cup of the hot broth into the egg‑lemon mixture, a little at a time, to raise its temperature without curdling.

    Time: PT2M

  12. Finish the Soup

    Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot, stirring constantly. Heat gently for 3 minutes—do not boil.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: low heat

  13. Garnish and Serve

    Stir in chopped parsley, dill, and the reserved lemon zest. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein

Allergens: Eggs

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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🍋 Greek Avgolemono Soup Recipe

Recipe by Easy Recipes: Chef Monika Jensen

A classic Greek lemon‑egg chicken soup that’s creamy without dairy. This comforting Avgolemono soup combines a light chicken broth, rice, fresh vegetables, and a silky lemon‑egg emulsion, finished with parsley, dill and lemon zest.

MediumGreekServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
26m
Prep
37m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 13m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$15.32
Total cost
$3.83
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Making the chicken broth
  • Sautéing the base vegetables
  • Cooking the rice until tender
  • Tempering the egg‑lemon mixture
  • Adding the tempered mixture without boiling

Safety Warnings

  • The broth is very hot; handle with care to avoid burns.
  • When tempering the eggs, add the hot liquid slowly to prevent curdling.
  • Use a splatter guard when sautéing vegetables in oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Greek Avgolemono Soup in Greek cuisine?

A

Avgolemono, meaning "egg‑lemon," dates back to ancient Byzantine times and was traditionally served to celebrate religious holidays and family gatherings. The soup’s silky texture and bright flavor reflect the Mediterranean love of simple, wholesome ingredients.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Avgolemono Soup in Greece?

A

In the islands, the soup often uses orzo instead of rice and may include fresh herbs like mint. In mainland Greece, rice is common and some families add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.

cultural
Q

How is Avgolemono Soup authentically served in Greek households?

A

It is served hot in shallow bowls, garnished with fresh parsley, dill, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. It is usually accompanied by crusty bread or a side of feta‑topped salad.

cultural
Q

During which Greek celebrations is Avgolemono Soup traditionally prepared?

A

Avgolemono is a staple for Easter, Christmas, and large family feasts such as name‑day celebrations, where its comforting warmth is prized after long fasting periods.

cultural
Q

What makes Avgolemono Soup special in Greek cuisine compared to other Mediterranean soups?

A

The unique emulsification of eggs and lemon into a clear broth creates a velvety, tangy soup without any dairy, showcasing the Greek skill of turning simple pantry staples into a luxurious dish.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Avgolemono Soup versus acceptable modern substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include chicken broth, rice, eggs, lemon, and fresh herbs. Modern cooks often substitute orzo for rice, use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or add Swiss chard for extra greens.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Greek Avgolemono Soup at home?

A

The biggest errors are letting the soup boil after adding the egg mixture, which causes curdling, and adding the egg‑lemon emulsion too quickly. Also, under‑seasoning the broth can leave the soup flat.

technical
Q

Why does this Avgolemono Soup recipe temper the eggs instead of adding them directly to the hot broth?

A

Tempering gently raises the egg temperature, preventing the proteins from coagulating instantly. This creates a smooth, creamy texture without curdles, which is essential for the classic Avgolemono consistency.

technical
Q

Can I make Greek Avgolemono Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the soup up to the point of adding the egg‑lemon mixture. Refrigerate the broth and vegetables separately, then temper and stir in the eggs just before reheating and serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Easy Recipes: Chef Monika Jensen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Easy Recipes: Chef Monika Jensen focuses on straightforward, home‑cooked meals with clear step‑by‑step instructions, emphasizing classic comfort foods and quick weeknight dishes.

channel

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