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Comforting Bowl of Sunshine Recipe

Comforting Bowl of Sunshine Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 10 reviews

This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting bowl of sunshine perfect for any day you crave a bright, hearty, and nourishing meal. Featuring tender shredded chicken, tender rice, a zesty lemon-egg broth, and fresh dill garnish, this soup blends traditional Mediterranean flavors in a simple, elegant dish that warms the soul.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced (~150 g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken broth

Main Ingredients

  • ½ cup (100 g) uncooked rice (or substitute orzo pasta)
  • 2 cups (300 g) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached chicken breast)

Egg-Lemon Mixture

  • 2 large eggs
  • Juice of 2 lemons (about ½ cup or 120 ml)

Seasoning and Garnish

  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant to build the aromatic base of the soup.
  2. Cook the Rice (or Orzo): Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the rice and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the rice is tender but not mushy, extracting flavor and texture for the hearty soup base.
  3. Prepare the Egg-Lemon Mixture: While the rice cooks, whisk the eggs in a medium bowl until frothy. Slowly add the lemon juice, whisking constantly to combine into a smooth, tangy mixture that will give the soup its characteristic creamy and bright flavor.
  4. Temper the Egg-Lemon Mixture: To prevent the eggs from curdling, gradually ladle 1-2 cups of the hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture, whisking continuously to gently raise the temperature. Then slowly pour this tempered mixture back into the pot, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy texture.
  5. Add Chicken and Season: Stir in the shredded chicken and let it heat through for about 5 minutes. Avoid boiling the soup after adding the egg mixture to maintain its silky consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with freshly chopped dill, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Notes

  • Use orzo pasta instead of rice for a more authentic Mediterranean twist.
  • Be sure to temper the egg-lemon mixture slowly to avoid curdling and maintain the creamy texture.
  • Rotisserie chicken is a great time saver, or poach your own chicken breast for homemade freshness.
  • This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
  • Adjust lemon juice and seasoning according to your taste preference for brightness and saltiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, lemon chicken broth, healthy chicken soup, lemon egg soup, comfort food

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/comforting-bowl-of-sunshine-recipe/