Avgolemono Soup Recipe With Orzo

Avgolemono Soup Recipe With Orzo is made with flavorful chicken broth, tender orzo pasta, zesty lemon juice, protein-rich chicken, and vibrant baby spinach leaves. This traditional Avgolemono Soup Recipe With Orzo creates a comforting and satisfying dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

Avgolemono Soup Recipe With Orzo Ingredients

• 8 cups (1.9 liters) good-quality chicken broth or stock
• ¾ cup (140 grams) uncooked orzo pasta
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 cups (350 grams) shredded or diced cooked chicken
• 3 cups (90 grams) baby spinach leaves
• Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Avgolemono Soup Recipe With Orzo Instructions

1. In a large pot (at least five quarts), bring the chicken broth to a boil over high heat. Cover the pot while heating.
2. Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the boiling broth and simmer, covered, until al dente (a minute shy of the package directions).
3. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly with a fork. Then, beat in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and set aside.
4. When the orzo is cooked, take about a cup of hot broth from the pot and carefully pour it into the bowl containing the eggs and lemon juice. Whisk the mixture constantly with a fork to temper the eggs.
5. Stir in the shredded or diced cooked chicken and baby spinach into the pot. Simmer for a minute or two until the spinach is wilted.
6. Reduce the heat until the broth is no longer bubbling.
7. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the soup while stirring continuously. Cook over low heat for a minute or two until the broth is creamy and slightly thickened.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust according to your preference, considering the broth’s sodium content.

Recipe Tips

• Use Homemade Chicken Broth: If possible, use homemade chicken broth for the soup base. It adds depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
• Add Herbs: Consider adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the soup for added freshness and aroma. Just chop them finely and sprinkle them over the soup before serving.
• Cook Orzo Separately: To prevent the orzo from soaking up too much broth and becoming mushy, consider cooking it separately and adding it to individual bowls before serving the soup.

How To Store Avgolemono Soup Recipe With Orzo

Refrigerate: Once cooled completely, transfer the Avgolemono Soup With Orzo to an airtight container or cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Alternatively, pour the soup into freezer bags, remove excess air, and seal tightly. The Avgolemono Soup With Orzo can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How To Reheat Leftover Avgolemono Soup Recipe With Orzo

On The Stove: Transfer the leftover Avgolemono Soup With Orzo to a saucepan or pot. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. Be careful not to boil the soup to prevent overcooking the ingredients.

In The Microwave: Pour a serving of the soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Adjust the heating time based on your microwave’s power and the amount of soup being reheated.

In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is hot all the way through.

What To Serve Avgolemono Soup Recipe With Orzo

Avgolemono Soup Recipe With Orzo pairs well with a variety of sides to make a complete meal. Try serving it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, and roasted potatoes. It also can be served alongside grilled cheese sandwiches, garlic bread, croutons, and a cheese platter for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like rice-shaped pasta, small shells, or even broken spaghetti.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own chicken?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save time and still yield delicious results.

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

While the traditional recipe calls for chicken broth and chicken, you can easily adapt it to vegetarian or vegan preferences by using vegetable broth and omitting the chicken. You can also add tofu or chickpeas for protein.

Try more recipes:

• Ina Garten’s Minestrone Soup Recipe
• Lipton Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
• Austrian Goulash Soup Recipe