Avgolemono : Greek Lemon Soup (With Meatballs and Orzo)

Move over, chicken noodle, this is the soup to make when you’re sick, or even better, to have someone make for you. I swear it’s the only thing I want to eat when I’m under the weather. It isn’t overly complicated to make; in fact, the flavors come together in no time at all. No excessive simmering required. The broth truly warms you from the inside out with a bright hit of lemon (and I mean a HIT, there’s no skimping on citrus here). It’s hearty and satisfying, filled with tender meatballs and orzo.

What You’ll Need For Avgolemono Greek Lemon Soup

TURKEY MEATBALLS

The best way I can describe these meatballs are squishy and delightful. They don’t overpower the soup, only add to it. They take about 10-15 minutes to combine the ingredients and roll out, so if you are truly in a pinch to make this soup you can absolutely substitute for shredded precooked chicken.

• Ground Turkey – I love a squishy meatball, and turkey is the key to get them. I use lean turkey, but any ground turkey works here.
  • Substitute: Ground chicken is a great swap. If you want to make this easy use pre-cooked shredded chicken instead.
• Breadcrumbs- Unseasoned Italian breadcrumbs.
• Egg
• Garlic – Fresh only! 1 medium clove or 2 small cloves.
• Onion – Yellow or white. Keep in mind these meatballs are SMALL. You need to get a really small mince on them. If you are unable to mince them itty bitty throw them in a food processor to mince.
• Parsley – Fresh only! Dried doesn’t lend the same flavor.

AVGOLEMONO

• Chicken Broth
• Lemon – It is so important to use fresh lemons and not the bottle of lemon juice. Lemons will give this broth a bright flavor vs weighing it down. You need 1/2 cup which equates to about 3 large lemons or 4 medium. A little advice; we are only looking to use the juice from the lemon. Do not throw in additional lemon slices. This will result in an bitter soup.
• Egg – The broth of this soup is a little thinner than a traditional avgolemono, which typically gets its thickness from eggs and rice. I used to think that the purpose of the eggs was just to thicken up the soup. After making this time and time again the eggs gives the broth flavor as well as a silky texture, as long as it is incorporated in properly. See below steps on tempering.
• Onion – Yellow or white works for this recipe.
• Garlic – Fresh only!
• Orzo – My favorite is Delallo. I find that the orzo is more broad and gives a better mouthfeel.

Tools Needed

Large Dutch Oven or Stock Pot – This soup is made for a family, approx. 6 servings. I typically make this in my 4 qt dutch oven and that JUST fits the soup.

How To Make Avgolemono Soup

1. Form the Meatballs – Probably the most tedious part of this recipe, but trust me the mini meatballs are worth the extra time. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, this includes ground turkey, bread crumbs, egg, finely chopped parsley, minced onion, grated garlic, and 1/2 tsp of kosher salt. With your hands, combine throughly, without over mixing. You know you are done mixing when the mixture is consistent throughout. Form into 40-45 mini meatballs and place on a sheet tray. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in the fridge until later.

2. Saute the Base – In the pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat heat add a little olive oil. Once hot add in the onion and saute until soft approx. 3 minutes. Add in the garlic and saute until soft and fragrant, another 1-2 minutes. Add the broth and lemon juice, raise to medium heat, and bring to a boil. Place the lid on the pot to speed up the process. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

3. TEMPER THE EGGS

This section needs its own subheading, it is that important. If you have never tempered eggs before it’s just a fancy term for bringing your eggs slowly up to temperature before adding it in. If you add the beaten egg to the simmering soup as is, it will cook on contact and you will have a lemony egg drop soup.

I like to use a ladle and a 2 cup liquid measuring cup for this step, but you can also use a medium bowl. Whisk the eggs in a large container (or measuring cup). Slowly, and I mean slowly, drizzle in the hot soup while continuously beating the egg. You want the tiniest drizzle to flow in. Continue to do this until 2 cups have been added. Add the egg mixture to the soup and give it a stir. If you did this successfully the broth will lighten in color with no egg bits. You will also be able to tell more once the soup is done, if the eggs were not tempered correctly you will have separation as the soup cools.

4. Add the Meatballs + Simmer + Finish – Add the meatballs and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the mini meatballs are cooked throughout. Turn off the heat and finish the soup with a pinch of fresh dill. To serve, ladle over a bowl with some cooked orzo.

How to Serve Avgolemono

Avgolemono can be enjoyed on its own or served with side dishes. If you’d like to keep with the Greek theme, make Maroulosalata Salad or Warmed Olives and Feta, and serve it with some crusty bread. For vegetable side dish options, Sautéed Broccolini in Anchovy Butter, Za’atar Roasted Carrots, or Crispy Artichokes are all great, easy choices to round out the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing/Reheating

Store avgolemono in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. When ready to reheat pour the desired amount into a sauce pan and heat on low until desired temperature. Want to make parts of this dish in advance? The turkey meatballs can be made in advance and frozen for up to 2 months or stored in the fridge for 1 day. When ready to make the soup drop the meatballs in frozen and cook for double the amount of time.