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When making Greek Lemon Rice Soup, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 cup long-grain rice - 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 3 large eggs - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons) - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (for garnish) Using quality ingredients makes a big difference in taste. I like to use long-grain rice for its texture. Chicken broth adds depth, but vegetable broth works too. The fresh lemon juice and zest give the soup its bright flavor. Don't skip the herbs like dill or parsley; they add freshness to each bowl. This recipe is versatile. You can adjust ingredients based on what you have at home. Try using other vegetables or even cooked chicken for added protein. Each change can lead to a new favorite version of this soup. For the full details on how to make this delicious dish, check the Full Recipe. To make Greek Lemon Rice Soup, follow these simple steps. Each step builds a warm and tasty soup. 1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, pour in the olive oil. Set the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these until they soften, about 5 to 7 minutes. This gives the soup a rich base. 2. Add Broth and Rice: Next, pour in the chicken broth or vegetable broth. Bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the long-grain rice. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the rice is tender. 3. Make the Egg-Lemon Mixture: While the rice cooks, grab a separate bowl. Whisk together the eggs, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until well mixed. This is your egg-lemon mixture, known as avgolemono. 4. Temper the Mixture: Slowly ladle about 1 cup of the hot soup broth into the egg-lemon mixture. Whisk constantly as you do this. This step is important. It warms the eggs without cooking them, which prevents curdling. 5. Combine and Heat Gently: Once tempered, slowly pour the egg-lemon mixture back into the pot with the soup. Stir constantly to mix it well. Cook on low heat for about 5 minutes. Do not let it boil. 6. Season to Taste: Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper. Taste it. If you want a brighter flavor, adjust the lemon juice as needed. Now, you have a comforting bowl of Greek Lemon Rice Soup ready to enjoy. For the full recipe, refer to the recipe section. Cooking Greek Lemon Rice Soup can be fun and rewarding. Here are some tips to help you make it the best it can be. - Use long-grain rice for the best texture. Long-grain rice cooks evenly and stays fluffy. This makes your soup feel light and not too heavy. - Adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste for desired acidity. Start with the recommended amount and then taste. You can always add more lemon juice if you want it tangier. Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and lifts the flavors. - Always temper the egg mixture to prevent curdling. This step is key! If you add the egg mixture too fast, it will cook too quickly and become clumpy. To temper, slowly mix hot broth into the egg mixture while whisking. This helps the eggs blend smoothly into the soup. Using these tips will enhance your cooking experience and lead to a delicious bowl of soup. For a complete guide, check out the Full Recipe. Enjoy making this savory delight! {{image_2}} You can make Greek Lemon Rice Soup even more delightful with a few simple add-ins. Here are some great options: - Adding cooked chicken for added protein. If you want a heartier soup, diced cooked chicken works well. It adds flavor and makes the soup more filling. - Incorporating other vegetables like spinach or peas. Fresh spinach or sweet peas can brighten the soup. They add color and nutrients. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. - Making it vegetarian by using only vegetable broth and omitting the chicken. This option keeps the soup light yet tasty. You can still enjoy the bright flavors of lemon and herbs without meat. Experimenting with these variations can help you find your favorite version of this warm, comforting soup. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To keep your Greek Lemon Rice Soup fresh, start with refrigerating leftovers. You can store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This method helps preserve the soup's taste and texture. For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when it freezes. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy your frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat. Stir often to keep the texture smooth and prevent sticking. If the soup seems too thick, you can add a little broth or water to get it back to the right consistency. Enjoy your savory delight anytime! Greek Lemon Rice Soup, known as avgolemono, has roots in ancient Greece. It blends flavors from Mediterranean cooking. The soup highlights lemon and rice, staples in Greek cuisine. You can find it served at family meals and special occasions. Its comforting taste makes it a favorite among many. Yes, you can prepare Greek Lemon Rice Soup ahead of time. Make the soup, then store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove. Avoid boiling to keep the texture smooth. If you want to skip the eggs, use a cornstarch mix to thicken the soup. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water. Add it to the soup while cooking to create a creamy texture. You can also use silken tofu blended for a vegan option. To adjust the soup's thickness, add more broth if it’s too thick. You can also add extra rice for a heartier texture. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce. Always taste and tweak to your liking for the perfect consistency. This blog post laid out the main steps for making Greek Lemon Rice Soup. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. Variations and storage methods enhance your options. This comforting soup is easy to prepare and adjust to your taste. It's a perfect dish for sharing or enjoying alone. I encourage you to try this recipe, explore your options, and enjoy every warm spoonful. Your kitchen will become a hub of flavor and comfort.

Greek Lemon Rice Soup

Savor the delightful flavors of Greek Lemon Rice Soup, a comforting dish that's perfect for any time of year! Made with aromatic vegetables, tender rice, and a refreshing lemon twist, this soup is sure to warm your soul. Follow our simple recipe steps to create this delicious meal that the whole family will love. Click through to discover how easy it is to whip up this flavorful soup at home!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup long-grain rice

6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 large eggs

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

    Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the rice and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. This will create the egg-lemon mixture (avgolemono).

        Slowly ladle about 1 cup of the hot soup broth into the egg-lemon mixture while continuously whisking. This will temper the eggs and prevent them from curdling.

          Once tempered, slowly add the egg-lemon mixture back into the pot of soup, stirring constantly to incorporate. Cook on low heat for an additional 5 minutes. Do not let it boil to avoid curdling.

            Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust lemon juice if needed for extra brightness.

              Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill or parsley.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 40 min | 4 servings