Experience the harmonious fusion of Mediterranean flavors with Cyprus Avgolemono, a traditional Greek-Cypriot dish renowned for its exquisite taste and creamy texture. This velvety soup, enriched with chicken, rice, and a vibrant blend of lemon and egg, offers a tantalizing journey for your taste buds. Delight in the citrusy zest and comforting warmth that embodies the essence of Cypriot hospitality. Perfect for a cozy evening or a festive gathering, Cyprus Avgolemono invites you to savor the rich heritage and culinary prowess of the Mediterranean island.

Here's a classic recipe for Cyprus Avgolemono soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
• 8 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 cup rice (short-grain preferred)
• 3 eggs
• Juice of 3-4 lemons (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken Broth:

1- In a large pot, add the chicken pieces and cover with chicken broth or water.

2- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

3- Once cooked, remove the chicken pieces from the broth and set aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth and return it to the pot. You can discard any excess fat or impurities that rise to the surface.

Cook the Rice:

1- Add the rice to the strained chicken broth in the pot.

2- Bring the broth back to a simmer and cook the rice for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is tender.

Prepare the Avgolemono Sauce:While the rice is cooking, prepare the avgolemono sauce. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice until well combined.

Temper the Egg-Lemon Mixture:Once the rice is cooked, it's time to temper the egg-lemon mixture. Take a ladleful of the hot broth from the pot and slowly pour it into the egg-lemon mixture, whisking continuously. This helps to gradually raise the temperature of the eggs without scrambling them.

Incorporate the Avgolemono Sauce:Once the egg-lemon mixture has been tempered, pour it back into the pot with the rice and broth, whisking continuously to combine. Be sure to do this off the heat to prevent the eggs from curdling.

Add the Chicken:Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it back to the pot with the soup.

Season and Serve:

1- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of lemon juice if desired.

2- Serve the Cyprus Avgolemono soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices.

Enjoy the comforting and citrusy flavors of this traditional Cyprus Avgolemono soup!

Nutritional Values:

Here's a general breakdown of the approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients used in Cyprus Avgolemono soup, per serving:

Chicken Breast (skinless, boneless, cooked):

• Calories: 165
• Protein: 31g
• Fat: 3.6g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Low in fat, particularly when skinless, making it a lean protein option.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals such as niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, and selenium.

Chicken Broth (homemade, low sodium):

• Calories: 15
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Provides hydration and replenishes electrolytes.
• Contains essential amino acids, promoting muscle and tissue repair.
• Can help soothe the digestive system and support gut health.

Rice (cooked, short-grain white rice):

• Calories: 205
• Protein: 4.3g
• Fat: 0.4g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 0.6g

benefits:

• Good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body.
• Contains small amounts of protein and fiber.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals such as manganese, selenium, and magnesium.

Eggs (whole, raw):

• Calories: 70
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 0.6g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals including vitamin B12, riboflavin, and selenium.
• Provide choline, essential for brain health and development.

Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed):

• Calories: 4
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1.3g
• Fiber: 0.1g

benefits:

• High in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
• May aid digestion and promote hydration.
• Contains flavonoids, which have potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands of ingredients, cooking methods, and serving sizes. Additionally, the nutritional values may change if you modify the recipe or use different ingredients.