Hearty Greek Lemon Chicken Soup: A Comforting & Flavorful Delight

This traditional Greek dish, often known as "Avgolemono," is a rich and velvety soup that combines the bold flavors of chicken, lemon, and fresh herbs. It's a comforting choice for cooler days or when you need a nourishing pick-me-up. The soup is thickened with eggs, giving it a creamy texture without the use of cream. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is both satisfying and healthy.

Ingredients:

- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces- 10 cups chicken broth- 3/4 cup long-grain rice- 3 eggs- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste- Fresh dill or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Chicken Broth:** - In a large pot, place the chicken pieces and add the chicken broth. If you prefer more depth in flavor, you can also add a peeled onion, a carrot, and a sprig of celery for additional aromatics. - Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

2. **Cook the Rice:** - Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Strain the broth if needed. - Add the rice to the broth and cook over low-medium heat until the rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes.

3. **Prepare the Avgolemono Sauce:** - While the rice is cooking, whisk the eggs in a medium bowl until frothy. - Gradually whisk in the lemon juice until well combined.

4. **Thicken the Soup:** - Once the rice is cooked, reduce the heat to low to prevent curdling. - Slowly ladle about 1 cup of hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. - Slowly add the tempered egg mixture back into the pot with the rice and broth, stirring constantly until the soup thickens slightly.

5. **Finish the Soup:** - Shred or chop the cooled chicken meat and return it to the soup. - Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Heat gently if necessary, but avoid boiling. - Garnish with fresh dill or parsley if desired and serve hot.

Enjoy this nourishing Greek Lemon Chicken Soup as a satisfying main course, paired perfectly with crusty bread or a simple green salad.