👩🍳👨🍳 Construction (Step-by-Step Guide)
🔥 Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
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Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
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Add onions, celery, and carrots, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
🍲 Step 2: Simmer the Soup
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Add Arborio rice, chicken stock, and the bay leaf to the pot.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
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Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice becomes tender.
🥄 Step 3: Prepare the Lemon-Egg Mixture (Avgolemono)
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In a separate bowl, whisk together:
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2 large eggs
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Juice of 2 lemons
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Slowly ladle 1 cup of hot broth from the soup into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
✨ Step 4: Finish the Soup
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Remove the bay leaf from the pot.
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Gently stir the tempered egg mixture into the soup off the heat to prevent curdling.
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Stir until the soup thickens slightly and has a silky texture.
🍽️ Serve & Enjoy
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Adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
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Serve the soup hot and steaming for the best experience.
🌈 Variations to Try
🍗 Protein Variations:
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Chicken Version: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breast.
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🥬 Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and replace eggs with coconut cream for thickness.
🍚 Grain Variations:
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Traditional Orzo: Swap Arborio rice for orzo pasta.
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🌾 Gluten-Free: Use cauliflower rice instead.
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💪 Heartier Option: Try quinoa for added protein.
💡 Flavor Enhancements:
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Add a dash of turmeric for color and anti-inflammatory benefits.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese for a creamy, cheesy twist.
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Mix in spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
✔️ Tips for the Best Avgolemono Soup:
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🥚 Temper the Eggs Properly: Slowly add hot broth to the eggs while whisking to prevent scrambling.
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🚫 Don’t Boil After Adding Eggs: Heat gently to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
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🥄 For a Thicker Soup: Use more rice or blend part of the soup for a creamier consistency.
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🕰️ Make it Ahead: The soup thickens as it sits—add extra broth when reheating to maintain the desired texture.
🌟 Conclusion:
This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono) is a comforting dish that brings warmth and freshness to your table. Its silky texture and tangy flavor make it a standout choice for any meal. Try it today and experience the rich tradition of Greek cuisine in the comfort of your home! 🍋🥣
