How to Make Yia Yia's Avgolemono - A Step-by-Step Guide

Yia Yia's Avgolemono is a traditional Greek soup that has been passed down through generations in my family. The name "Avgolemono" translates to "egg-lemon," which perfectly describes the two key ingredients that give this soup its distinctively creamy and tangy flavor.

This soup is a staple in Greek cuisine, often served as a comforting and nourishing meal, especially during the colder months. Yia Yia, which means "grandmother" in Greek, was the matriarch of our family and her legacy...

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Ingredients

  • 1 (2.5 pound) whole chicken
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2 carrots, cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 3 stalks celery with leaves, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 8 cups water
  • ¾ cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 eggs, separated
  • 2 lemons, juiced

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 50 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 servings

  • Place the chicken, salt, onion, carrots, celery, and water into a stock pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the chicken is tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Skim away any scum that forms as the chicken simmers.
  • Strain and reserve the broth in a clean pot. Pick the meat from the chicken, discarding the bones, skin, and vegetables. Cut the meat into small pieces, and set aside. Bring the broth to a boil over medium heat and stir in the orzo pasta. Let simmer 20 minutes.
  • While the orzo is cooking, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks, then whisk in the egg yolks until completely incorporated. Measure out 2 cups of the simmering broth, and combine it with the lemon juice. Slowly pour the lemon mixture into the eggs while whisking continuously until incorporated.
  • When the orzo is nearly done, return the chicken meat to the soup, and cook until reheated. Stir in the egg mixture, stirring gently until incorporated into the soup. Serve immediately.
  • Nutrition

    246 cal.

    • Total Fat: 11g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Cholesterol: 84mg
    • Sodium: 324mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 20g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 18g
    • Vitamin C: 9mg
    • Calcium: 42mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 277mg