YIA YIA CHICKEN AVGOLEMONO SOUP

Yia Yia Chicken Avgolemono Soup image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h35m

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

5 ribs celery, cut in half lengthwise
3 medium carrots, cut in half lengthwise
2 medium onions, quartered
3 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 small chicken (between 3 and 4 pounds), halved
1 1/2 cups long grain rice, such as Uncle Ben's
10 egg whites
2 egg yolks
5 lemons, squeezed
1 teaspoon cornstarch

Steps:

In a large stock pot, bring 10 cups water, celery, carrots, onions, chicken, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-high and simmer until the vegetables are soft and the chicken is cooked, 45 minutes to an hour. Strain the vegetables and chicken, making sure to reserve all liquids.
Put back all the original liquids into the stock pot, plus 3 more cups water and the rice. Bring to a boil, and then lower the heat to medium.
Meanwhile, remove the meat from the chicken, shred and put to the side. Put the vegetables in a blender and puree, and put to the side. Put the egg whites in the blender and beat on high for 2 minutes. Add the yolks, lemon juice and cornstarch.
When the rice is almost completely cooked, add the veggie puree, shredded chicken and the remaining salt and pepper. Take off the heat. Temper the egg mixture by adding about 1 cup hot soup to the blender while blending on low, making sure not to scramble the eggs! Slowly add the egg mixture to the pot, stirring constantly. Taste for salt and pepper.