Avgolemono soup

Avgolemono soup is the Greek answer to chicken noodle soup, but I've got to say - I think they win. Not only is it comfortingly warming, it has a lovely lemony undertone. Perfect for a cold day.

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I've mentioned before that I grew up with Scotch broth as the kind of equivalent to chicken noodle soup, and it's one my husband now often asks for, particularly if he is not feeling great.

This soup has all the same great qualities - a broth-based soup with simple ingredients, mild flavors but that is so warming and comforting.

It's also a great way to use up leftovers, as you can use any leftover chicken as well as homemade stock, which I make pretty much any time we have chicken on the bone. It might seem a pain, but it's so easy to do and tastes so much better (with less salt) than store bought.

What is avgolemono?

Avgolemono can refer to both a soup and a sauce made with lemon and egg. It's the same basic sauce that then thickens up the soup with the same name and gives it a deliciously lemon flavor. It's really easy to make, as all you do is beat together the egg and lemon.

The only trick is to then add a little of the hot stock to temper the egg before you add it to the post of soup so that you get a nice smooth soup rather than dribbles of egg in there.

Some people use whole eggs, others just use yolks - I have gone with one of each to make it slightly richer without leaving you with too many spare whites 🙂

Steps to make avgolemono soup

There's more than one way to make this, but I've gone for what I find the most practical for what I tend to have. That is, leftover chicken and chicken stock.

First you cook the rice in the stock, then add in shredded chicken (you can also add this in towards the end, as in the video, you just want to warm it anyway).

Whisk together the lemon and egg, then as I say temper it with some warm stock. I'd add a couple of spoonfuls, one at a time, to ensure it blends well. Then add this in to the soup, cook a little more (but don't boil) then serve.

Can avgolemono soup be reheated?

Yes, you can re-heat this soup but just make sure you heat it very gently rather than boiling it. The egg mixture isn't going to separate when it is cooled and reheated, but it is still more heat-sensitive.

Avgolemono soup is a really simple but delicious combination of warming comfort food with a little bit of Mediterranean brightness from the lemon.

Smooth, satisfying, and a bowlful everyone will be asking for again and again.

Try these other warming soups from around the world:

• German white asparagus soup (with a lovely delicate flavor)
• Mexican sopa de lima (lime and chicken soup, in a light broth)
• French chestnut soup (super smooth!)
• Irish fish chowder (a classic mix of fresh and smoked fish, bacon and potato)
• Thai tom yum soup (flavored with lemongrass and chili)
• Plus get more comforting ideas in the winter recipes archives.

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