Thursday, April 29, 2010

Greek Chicken and Lemon Soup with Orzo


Still chilly enough for soup weather?  

Ready to try a lighter soup after the heavier fare of the winter?  

Have I got a soup for you to try.  Easy to make with simple ingredients, but just make sure you follow the directions or you might just end up with a congealed mass - not quite what we want to have for dinner, now is it?
Here's the ingredients:

8 cups chicken stock
3/4 cup orzo
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
        cut crosswise into slices 1/4 inch thick
3 eggs
1/3 cup FRESH lemon juice
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
salt and white pepper (okay to substitute black pepper)
2 tablespoons finely chopped FRESH parsley

Now here's what you need to do:
1.  In a stockpot bring the chicken stock to a boil over medium heat.  Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the orzo and cook uncovered, until very tender, 15-20 minutes.  About 5 minutes before the pasta is done, add the chicken breast slices.
2.  Place the eggs in a mixing bowl.  Whisk the eggs while pouring in the lemon juice. Stir in the zest.  Whisking continuously, slowly pour a ladleful of the hot stock into the egg and lemon mixture.  Reduce the heat to very low.  Then, while whisking the soup in the pan, slowly pour in the egg mixture; the soup should thicken sightly.
3.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Remove from the heat and ladle immediately into warmed bowls and garnish with the fresh parsley.

This soup is so yummy and fun to make.  Perfect for those chilly spring evenings. It's delicious with some peda bread (not pita bread), a green salad, and some pinot grigio or other white wine.

Oh and if you happen to go to Sweet Tomatoes and try their Lemon Greek Chicken Soup - there is simply NO COMPARISON!  We went there the other night and it was just awful.  (Sorry Sweet Tomatoes but I've got to call it like it is.)
Hope you decide to give this a try.  It is modified from a Williams-Sonoma soup recipe.  I can always count on one of their recipes - I've yet to have one be a dud.

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope your spring weather is enjoyable, but just cool enough to enjoy this soup!

It's Foodie Friday!  Come join the party at Designs by Gollum!


18 comments:

  1. Sweet Bee,
    This sounds so good! I will right over to have dinner with you :)
    Blessings,
    Donna

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  2. At my house it is freezing right now and this soup sounds good! I need to have some right now. I just love orzo! Joni

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  3. Mmmmm, this looks so yummy. My family enjoys soup suppers so I'll be adding this to our menu!

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  4. Oh, yummy! So glad you posted the recipe--can't wait to try it! Thanks for stopping by--glad you're entered for the giveaway--should be fun!

    Hope you're having a great night!

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  5. I'm not sure there is anything better than lemon and chicken. So wonderful -- I'll have to try it!

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  6. Sounds and looks great..but my hubbie is such a meat and potato type guy..and anything with lemon..he turns his nose up..Darn. Okay when I come to visit you someday in the way..way future..we can have this for our meal!!lol

    Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

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  7. Ha! Ha! You get out! It was our wedding song too! Made Hubby tear up today.

    I've never had orzo but I think we've had congealed mass before. As long as there is ketchup the kids don't care.
    Hugs,
    Dawn

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  8. Looks delish....I love soups anytime..thanks for the recipe...Mica/The Child's Paper

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  9. Thanks so much for this recipe - I plan to make it very soon! I love greek food - there's a greek neighborhood in Baltimore that has wonderful restaurants - I go with my friend Bobbie for a girls day out. I'll be peeking in and hope you'll visit me - I have recipes frome time to time too. Jennifer jennsthreegraces

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  10. I use to eat this soup at a tiny greek restaurant in Portland, Oregon, and I loved it! I will try your recipe.
    Thanks!

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  11. Warning, cancer!

    Someone in blog lands needs help, go to my blog and read about
    Marilyn, retirenowtimeforfun.blogspot.com or just go to Marlyn's blog,
    ourvictoriancottage.blogspot.com

    Our you people in blog land as nice as you write on your blog?

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  12. I just wrote a post this afternoon about how cold it is here. Your soup recipe is just perfect for a cold, windy and gray day!! Thanks for the recipe. Now I'll just have to put on my down parka and gloves to pick up what's not in the pantry!!

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

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  13. yum! i love greek chx so i will have to try this!!

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  14. YUM...love all things lemony and my faavorite cuisine is GREEK!!

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  15. I enjoy soup all four seasons. This lemon version looks light and luscious. Thanks!

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  16. Just curious..did you recieve your email on the swap? If not some said theirs went to spam. Please let me know if you recieved it or not..thanks Cindy from Rick and Rack and Gingham

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  17. Dear Janelle, I am your swap partner in Cindy, Rick Rack & Gingham's Kitchen Swap. I must tell you this is my first swap and am as nervous as can possibly be. In response to questions Cindy asked me, I do love found milk glass pieces from the thrift store. A favorite recipe. I loved your post about your grandmother's teapot and do enjoy tea myself. I am from Monterey myself; so it was a lot of fun to see that you are from Ca as well. I love red, I see that you do, too!. I was not aware that individuals would be buying items, I am very nervous thinking that you will. Please, just a lovely card, a photo of a favorite view, anything simple will be appreciated and treasured. Elizabeth

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