I often find myself reaching for a comforting yet invigorating meal, and this avgolemono soup recipe Lemon Silk With Dill Oil always hits the spot. The moment it simmers, my kitchen fills with the bright aroma of lemon and fresh dill, promising a creamy, tangy, and truly memorable experience. Perfect for busy families, anyone seeking healthy, satisfying dinner ideas, or those who adore vibrant Mediterranean flavors, this cherished recipe transforms simple ingredients into a nourishing bowl.
What You’ll Need for Avgolemono Soup
Gathering quality ingredients is the first step to a truly delicious avgolemono soup recipe Lemon Silk With Dill Oil. This list focuses on core components for the best flavor and texture.
- Chicken broth: 6-8 cups (1.4-1.9 liters) – This forms the flavorful foundation.
- Cooked chicken: 2 cups (280g), shredded – Leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic, quick meal prep shortcut here.
- Orzo or rice: 1 cup (180g) – For a hearty, satisfying texture (orzo is my personal favorite, but short-grain rice works well).
- Eggs: 3 large – These are the magic behind the creamy avgolemono emulsion.
- Lemons: 2-3 large – Essential for that bright ‘Lemon Silk’ zest and tang.
- Fresh dill: 1/4 cup (6g) chopped – The key aromatic for our fragrant dill oil (or use 1 tbsp dried dill in a pinch).
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp (30ml) – The base for the vibrant dill oil.
- Salt and pepper: To taste – To enhance all the wonderful flavors.
For premium upgrades, consider using organic chicken, free-range eggs, or fresh-squeezed lemon juice for an even brighter flavor. Gluten-free pasta or brown rice also make excellent healthy recipe swaps. Fresh lemons are generally at their peak in winter and spring, while fresh dill is widely available year-round in most markets.
Step-by-Step Method Made Simple
- Cook the Base (15 mins): In a 5-quart pot, bring 6 cups of chicken broth to a gentle simmer. Add the orzo or rice along with the shredded cooked chicken. Cook until the pasta is tender, usually about 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye on the liquid level.
- Prepare the Avgolemono (5 mins): While the base simmers, crack the 3 large eggs into a separate medium bowl. Whisk them vigorously until they are pale yellow and frothy, then gradually whisk in the juice from 2-3 large fresh lemons. You’re aiming for a light, airy mixture.
- Temper the Eggs (5 mins): This is crucial! Slowly, drizzle 1-2 cups of the hot broth from the pot into the egg-lemon mixture, whisking constantly. Feel the bowl; it should be warm to the touch. This gradually raises the temperature of the eggs and prevents them from scrambling.
- Combine (2 mins): Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the main soup pot. Stir gently but continuously with a large spoon or whisk until the avgolemono soup thickens slightly and coats the back of your spoon. What can go wrong? If the soup curdles, you likely added the hot broth too fast or heated the soup too much after combining. Lower the heat and whisk vigorously to try to re-emulsify; if not, it’s still delicious! Do not boil the soup once the egg mixture is added, or it will curdle.
- Make the Dill Oil (5 mins): While the soup holds its warmth, combine the fresh dill and olive oil in a small blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and vibrant green. This creates a beautiful, aromatic dill oil for your avgolemono soup recipe Lemon Silk With Dill Oil.
- Serve & Garnish: Ladle the creamy avgolemono soup into bowls. For an extra layer of ‘Lemon Silk With Dill Oil’ flavor, drizzle generously with the fresh dill oil. My family loves a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper too. For a healthier twist, use whole wheat orzo or brown rice and low-sodium broth to reduce sodium. If the soup seems too thin, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the avgolemono, ensuring your egg mixture is well-emulsified.
Perfect Occasions and Serving Inspiration
This avgolemono soup recipe Lemon Silk With Dill Oil shines on weeknights, offers comfort during cold season, and makes a hearty addition to lunchboxes. It’s also satisfying for casual gatherings.
Serving pairings
Serve your soup with crusty bread or warm pita for dipping. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette complements it perfectly, creating a balanced and family-friendly meal.
Storage and reheating
- Fridge: Store avgolemono soup in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on stovetop over low heat.
- Freezer: Freezing avgolemono soup can alter egg texture. Freeze plain chicken and rice broth separately; prepare avgolemono base fresh upon reheating for this avgolemono soup recipe Lemon Silk With Dill Oil.
- Meal-prep tips: Cook chicken and orzo ahead. Whisk eggs and lemon juice just before combining to preserve flavor.
Nutrition & Everyday Wellness Benefits
This avgolemono soup recipe Lemon Silk With Dill Oil is a powerhouse for energy and balance, perfect for healthy recipes for dinner without compromising flavor.
High-Protein
Packed with lean chicken, this soup keeps you full and satisfied, great for high-protein snacks or a satisfying lunch.
Heart-Healthy
Made with quality olive oil and fresh ingredients, it supports cardiovascular wellness as part of a balanced healthy eating plan.
Immune-Boosting
Lemon and rich broth provide vitamins and soothing properties, contributing to overall well-being and supporting a healthy lifestyle.
Easy Meal Prep for Busy Families
Make a large batch for quick meals and family dinners throughout the week, simplifying your kitchen routine with this family-friendly recipe.
Why This Recipe Works for You
This avgolemono soup recipe Lemon Silk With Dill Oil helps you enjoy delicious, healthy family meals without fuss. It’s a go-to for quick meals everyone loves.
Saves Time
Quick prep and pre-cooked chicken options mean this recipe fits busy schedules perfectly.
Budget-Friendly
Utilizes pantry staples and affordable chicken, making it an economical choice for feeding your family.
Diet-Friendly
Naturally aligns with many healthy eating plans, offering options for low-carb meals or gluten-free pasta swaps.
Picky-Eater Approved
A comforting, familiar flavor means kids often love this soup, making family dinners easier and more enjoyable.
Smart Upgrades and Adjustments
Elevate your avgolemono soup recipe Lemon Silk With Dill Oil with these smart tweaks, or adapt it to various preferences and dietary needs for delicious healthy eating.
Technique tips for a more polished finish
For extra silky avgolemono, I sometimes pass the egg-lemon mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before tempering. This removes any tiny bits of egg white that didn’t fully incorporate, giving a smoother finish.
Flavor variations
- Herb Boost: Add fresh parsley or oregano along with the dill oil.
- Spice Kick: A pinch of white pepper or a dash of sumac.
- Vegetarian Twist: Use vegetable broth, chickpeas or white beans instead of chicken.
Diet adaptations
- Low-Carb: Reduce or omit orzo; add more shredded chicken or zucchini noodles.
- Vegan: Use vegetable broth, plant-based egg substitute, and plant-based protein.
- Kid-Friendly: Use smaller pasta, finely shred chicken, and adjust lemon to taste.
Reader Q&A
“Can I prepare this avgolemono soup recipe Lemon Silk With Dill Oil ahead of time?”
Yes, prepare the chicken and broth base a day or two in advance. For the best texture and to prevent curdling, whisk and temper the egg-lemon mixture just before serving.
“Is avgolemono soup good for meal prep?”
It can be! Store soup in airtight containers. Reheat individual portions gently on low stovetop heat. I find chilling it completely before portioning helps the texture hold up better for lunchboxes.
“What’s the best way to store avgolemono soup?”
Store your avgolemono soup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, always use a gentle simmer on the stovetop; avoid boiling to maintain the soup’s smooth, silky finish.
“Are there healthier substitutes for this recipe?”
Absolutely! For a healthier avgolemono soup, use low-sodium broth, brown rice or quinoa instead of orzo, and lean chicken breast. You can also boost nutrition by adding extra veggies like spinach or shredded carrots.
“Can I make avgolemono soup without chicken?”
Yes, for a delicious vegetarian avgolemono soup, simply use vegetable broth. Add chickpeas, white beans, or small pasta like stelline for substance, creating a hearty and flavorful meal.
“What if my avgolemono soup is too thick or too thin?”
If your avgolemono soup is too thick, add a splash more warm broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, ensure the eggs were fully emulsified, and gently warm (do not boil) a bit longer while stirring until it slightly thickens.
Embrace the bright, creamy comfort of this avgolemono soup recipe Lemon Silk With Dill Oil – a simple yet sophisticated meal that nourishes both body and soul. Try this avgolemono soup recipe Lemon Silk With Dill Oil tonight for a taste of Mediterranean sunshine, then save it on Pinterest for your next easy family dinner!
avgolemono soup recipe Lemon Silk With Dill Oil
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: General, Healthy
Description
This avgolemono soup recipe, Lemon Silk With Dill Oil, is a comforting and invigorating meal, filling the kitchen with bright lemon and fresh dill aromas. It offers a creamy, tangy, and memorable experience, perfect for families seeking healthy, satisfying Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- 6–8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups (280g) cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup (180g) orzo or rice
- 3 large eggs
- 2–3 large lemons
- 0.25 cup (6g) fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried dill)
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Base: In a 5-quart pot, bring 6 cups of chicken broth to a gentle simmer. Add the orzo or rice along with the shredded cooked chicken. Cook until the pasta is tender, usually about 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye on the liquid level.
- Prepare Avgolemono: While the base simmers, crack the 3 large eggs into a separate medium bowl. Whisk them vigorously until they are pale yellow and frothy, then gradually whisk in the juice from 2-3 large fresh lemons.
- Temper the Eggs: Slowly, drizzle 1-2 cups of the hot broth from the pot into the egg-lemon mixture, whisking constantly.
- Combine Soup: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the main soup pot. Stir gently but continuously until the soup thickens slightly and coats the back of your spoon. Do not boil the soup once the egg mixture is added, or it will curdle.
- Make the Dill Oil: Combine the fresh dill and olive oil in a small blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and vibrant green.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the creamy avgolemono soup into bowls. Drizzle generously with the fresh dill oil. Add a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
Notes
If the soup curdles, you likely added hot broth too fast or heated the soup too much after combining. Lower heat and whisk vigorously to re-emulsify; it’s still delicious even if curdled. For healthier twists, use whole wheat orzo or brown rice and low-sodium broth. If the soup seems too thin, let it simmer longer before adding avgolemono, ensuring the egg mixture is well-emulsified.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (360 ml)
- Calories: 300 calories
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: Avgolemono, lemon silk, dill oil, chicken soup, Mediterranean, healthy, easy dinner, creamy, tangy, comfort food