| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 120 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 375 | 15g | 4.5g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 28g | 1g |
I am incredibly excited to share with you one of my favorite concoctions, the Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. This exotic dish has its roots in far-off Greece, with a tangy citrus edge that pairs wonderfully with the warmth of homemade chicken soup. The fusion of succulent chicken with the zesty flavor of fresh lemons results in a comfort food that’s as novel as it is nostalgic.
A Riot of Flavors
Inheriting an intrigue sense of culinary curation from my Irish grandparents, this Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is a beautiful mishmash of cultural authenticity and a familial twist. The slight sourness from the lemon distinctly reminds me of the seafood we’d often enjoy back in Boston, lending a refreshing lightness in contrast to the hearty chicken broth.
This soup is strikingly similar to the traditional Irish Chicken Soup, but the addition of lemon, dill, and garlic propel it to an entirely different, savory plane. It’s also akin to the Lemon Orzo Soup, albeit with a more robust chicken base.
Nature’s Pantry: Health in a Bowl
The Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is not only a flavorful extravaganza but is teeming with health benefits. Chicken soup is nature’s remedy for colds, thanks to its immune-boosting properties. Lemons add a significant dose of vitamin C, while the veggies – celery, onions, carrots – up the nutritive quotient. Truly, this dish is wholesome goodness in a bowl!
Given its zesty palate, this soup makes for an excellent entrée, setting the tone for the delectable main course. If you’re plating a Mediterranean menu, the Greek Lemon Chicken Soup pairs well with a robust Greek Salad or Moussaka.
Whether it’s for a casual family dinner, or a grand dining experience, this soup is guaranteed to impress. It’s been a hit in our house, especially with my better half, Laura, and our little boy, who’ve developed quite a fondness for it!
Here’s an interesting read on the array of benefits chicken soup reveals, and a wonderful source to learn more about the health benefits of lemons. Dive deeper, and relish the Greek Lemon Chicken Soup experience!
Until next time, savor the flavors!
What You’ll Need
- 1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds
- 10 cups of water
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of whole black peppercorns
- 3/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups of orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon slices for garnish
Method
Step One
Place the whole chicken in a large pot, then add the water, ensuring that the chicken is fully covered. Add the celery, onion, carrots, garlic, bay leaves and peppercorns, then bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, then cover the pot and let the chicken cook for about 2 hours.
Step Two
After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the soup and set aside to cool. While the chicken is cooling, strain the broth to remove the vegetables and spices, and return it to the pot. Once it has cooled down a bit, shred the chicken meat and add it back into the soup, discarding the bones and skin.
Step Three
Add the lemon juice to the soup and bring it back to a simmer. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and frothy. Slowly ladle some of the hot soup into the bowl with the eggs while constantly stirring to temper the eggs. Repeat this process until you have added about 2 cups of soup to the eggs. Then, slowly stir the warmed egg mixture into the main pot of soup.
Step Four
Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste, then add the fresh dill. Serve the Greek lemon chicken soup hot, garnishing each bowl with a slice of lemon.
