Main Course

Yia Yia's Traditional Avgolemono

★★★★★ 4.9 (491)

This comforting Greek soup combines tangy lemon and rich egg for a creamy, satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug from grandma. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a little taste of home.

◷ 2 hr Total Time

♜ 4 Servings

▥ Hard Difficulty

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Ingredients

4 servings

1 (2.5 pound) whole chicken 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 onion, quartered 2 carrots, cut into 2-inch chunks 3 stalks celery with leaves, cut into 2-inch pieces 8 cups water ¾ cup uncooked orzo pasta 2 eggs, separated 2 lemons, juiced

Marble-Style Cake for Tea

Instructions

Step 1

Start by putting the chicken, a good pinch of salt, onion, carrots, celery, and water into a large pot. Bring it all to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for about an hour and a half, until the chicken is nice and tender. Keep an eye on it and skim off any foam or scum that rises to the top.

Step 2

Once the chicken is cooked, strain the broth into a clean pot and set it aside. Pick the meat off the bones, discarding the skin, bones, and the cooked veggies. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and keep it ready.

Step 3

Bring the broth back to a boil over medium heat, then add the orzo pasta. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the pasta is tender.

Step 4

While the orzo is cooking, beat the egg whites until they hold stiff peaks. Then whisk in the egg yolks until everything is smooth and combined.

Step 5

Measure out 2 cups of the hot broth and mix it with the lemon juice. Slowly drizzle this lemony broth into the eggs, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling them.

Step 6

When the orzo is almost done, stir the chicken back into the soup to warm through. Finally, gently fold in the egg and lemon mixture, stirring carefully so it blends in without curdling.

Step 7

Serve the soup right away, while it’s warm and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is a comforting blend of tangy lemon and rich chicken broth, creating a flavor that feels like a warm hug from grandma. Its creamy texture without any cream makes it both light and satisfying. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a little taste of home.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a simple meal. It pairs well with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken for a heartier dinner. A sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley adds a nice touch of color and freshness.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring often to maintain the creamy texture. Avoid freezing, as the egg-lemon mixture can separate when thawed.