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Greek Avgolemono Soup with Greens

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Pixicook editorial team

A creamy, lemony soup with the richness of eggs and the freshness of greens, this Greek Avgolemono is both homey and refreshing.

Ingredients for Greek Avgolemono Soup with Greens

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serves
3.5 people

White Rice

cups

Escarole, coarsely-chopped

cups

Large Eggs, at-room-temperature

each

Lemon Juice

tablespoons

Fresh Dill Leaves, chopped

cups

Lemon Zest, finely-grated

teaspoons

Kosher Salt

to taste

How to Make Greek Avgolemono Soup with Greens

1. Prepare the Soup Base

Bring 5 cups of chicken or vegetable stock to a gentle simmer in a medium pot. Add ½ cup of white rice or orzo and cook until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Add 4 cups of coarsely chopped escarole, Swiss chard, or spinach in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

2. Temper the Eggs

In a medium bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs and 2 to 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until well combined. Temper the mixture by slowly drizzling a ladleful of hot stock into the egg mixture, whisking continuously.

3. Thicken the Soup

Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture into the soup, stirring constantly, until the soup thickens slightly.

4. Season and Serve

Stir in ¼ cup of chopped fresh dill leaves, ½ teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Pitfalls and tips

Properly Tempering the Eggs

The key to a successful avgolemono lies in the tempering of the eggs. Whisk your eggs and lemon juice together until well combined. Slowly drizzle in about a cup of the hot broth while continuously whisking the eggs. This gradual process will prevent the eggs from scrambling and will ensure a silky finish.

Homemade Broth Makes the Difference

If you have the time, use homemade chicken broth for a more robust flavor profile. It lends a deeper taste than store-bought versions. Simmer a whole chicken or chicken parts with vegetables and aromatics to extract rich flavors.

Balancing Flavors with Lemon

Lemon juice is the heart of avgolemono. Start with the amount suggested, then taste and adjust. Every lemon differs in acidity, so you may need to tweak based on your preference and the lemons you have.

Achieving Ideal Soup Consistency

Ratios matter in avgolemono. If you prefer a thicker soup, consider adding a handful of arborio rice or orzo. Cook it until just al dente before adding the egg-lemon mixture. The starch from the rice or pasta will naturally thicken the soup as it rests.

Choosing the Greens Wisely

The greens play an important role in this soup. Consider using a mix of hearty greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard to add depth and texture. Be sure to thoroughly wash any gritty greens, and remove tough stems to ensure a smooth, pleasant soup experience.

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