Classic Greek egg-lemon soup with silky velvety broth. Chef Niko recipe from the island of Kos.
Servings 4servings
Prep Time 10 minutesmins
Cook Time 25 minutesmins
Total Time 35 minutesmins
Ingredients
For the soup
6cupchicken broth1.4 liters, good quality
2cupcooked chicken280g, shredded
1/2cuporzo pasta90g
saltto taste
For the avgolemono
3large eggs
1/3cupfresh lemon juice80ml, about 2 lemons
freshly ground white pepperto taste
To serve
fresh dill or flat-leaf parsley
lemon slices
good olive oiloptional, for drizzling
Instructions
Bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil in a large saucepan. Add the orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes, until just tender. Stir in the shredded chicken and reduce the heat to the lowest setting.
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs vigorously for 2 minutes until pale and frothy. Add the lemon juice and whisk to combine. The mixture should be uniform and slightly aerated.
Using a ladle, slowly add hot broth from the pot to the egg-lemon bowl, one ladle at a time, whisking constantly after each addition. Add 5–6 ladles total.
Pour the tempered mixture back into the pot in a slow, steady stream while stirring gently.
Stir the soup gently over the lowest heat setting for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly and turns a uniform golden color. Do not let it boil. Season with salt and white pepper.
Ladle into warm bowls. Garnish with fresh dill and a lemon slice. Add a small drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Variations: Rice instead of orzo (short-grain rice, cook 18-20 min). Egg-yolk only for a richer, deeper-colored soup. Lamb broth for deeper flavor in some regions.Storage: Refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat very gently over low heat, stirring constantly. Never boil.Make-ahead: Prepare broth, chicken, and orzo in advance. Make and temper the egg-lemon fresh before serving.