Greek Lemon Chicken Soup.... for the soul

Why is this a Foodgasm?

As I mention a lot, I am half Greek. Growing up with my yia-yia (grandma in Greek) when I wasn't feeling well she made me Chicken Soup, but not just any Chicken Soup. Chicken Avgolemeno Soup. A Greek Lemon Chicken Soup that she made with orzo, that is creamy, tangy, lemony and can eat like a meal. This always made me feel better from the inside out. Now that my yia-yia is no longer with me, it makes me feel nostalgic and reminds me of a simpler time. It is the ultimate comfort food.

I loved her soup, BUT there were always a couple things I wanted to change. She always used the whole chicken and tore off the pieces, but I have always been partial to white meat, hate dark. So I used chicken breast only, also happens it's healthier for you! I kept in the traditional holy trinity of celery, onions and carrots, but decided to add some mushrooms as well, why the hell not! I tried it and really liked it.

Now that cold and flu season is upon us, I thought this was appropriate. This will surely cure what ails you body and soul!

A nice Greek inspired side: Spinach orzo topped with feta

Why is this a Foodgasm?

There are some Greek classics that I just love. I'm not talking about literature or democracy...I'm talking Greek food. A staple in my home growing up was spanakopita aka spinach pie. Savory, salty crunchy and creamy: this was my favorite. Especially the way my grandmother made it, with some rice inside. It is basically phyllo dough filled with spinach, onions and garlic, sometimes with rice.

This is sort of a deconstructed take on the classic spinach pie. Some orzo topped with roasted garlic, onion and sautéed spinach and brightened up with some lemon juice all covered in some crumbled feta cheese. It's vegetarian, delicious and satisfying!

PS- I HATE looking in the ingredients when following a recipe's instructions, let me know if you like this new formatting and if it helps.