Avgolemono (Greek Chicken Pasta Soup)

Step 1

Heat a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the oil and butter. Swirl the pan until the butter is melted. Add the onion and carrots and stir to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened. Add the garlic and rosemary and stir. Cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2

Add the chicken broth and salt and bring to a boil. Cook for 10 minutes, then add the orzo and cook for another 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is tender. Remove the pot from the heat.

Step 3

While the broth mixture is cooking, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks and fresh lemon juice in a medium-size heatproof container (I use a 4 cup pyrex measuring cup) until well combined.

Step 4

When the orzo is tender, take a ladle of the hot soup and SLOWLY drizzle it into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. Continue with several more ladles of broth until you’ve added about 2 cups.

Step 5

Return the pot to the heat now and add the egg mixture. Cook over medium-low heat for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly until soup is thickened a bit. Add the chicken, fresh dill and lemon zest. If you like a thinner soup, add more chicken broth. Taste and add more salt and/or lemon juice, if needed. Serve garnished with lemon slices, freshly ground black pepper and dill sprigs.