Tasty Tools–Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo

Continuing on the “using free fresh lemons from my mom” kick, I bring you this hearty and healthy chicken soup. It great when I ate it right after cooking it, but lost its lemon flavor in subsequent reheatings. This shouldn’t be a problem, though. Just keep a couple extra lemon wedges on hand to squeeze over a bowl of leftovers!While you’re at it, check out my brand new Mario Batali dutch oven my mom got me for Christmas! Is she the best or what?!?

Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo
Ellie Krieger, The Food You CraveIngredients:4 tsp. olive oil8 oz. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small chunkssalt and freshly ground pepper, to taste1 medium onion, diced (about 1 1/2 c.)2 stalks celery, diced (about 1/2 c.)1 medium carrot, diced (about 1/2 c.)2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp. dried)6 c. low-sodium chicken broth1 c. orzo, preferably whole wheat2 large eggs3 TBSP fresh lemon juice*I added about 1 c. peas because I had them on hand. It was delicious!Directions:1. Heat 2 tsp. oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, add it to the pot, and cook. Stir a few times until just cooked through, about five minutes. Transfer the chicken to a dish and set aside.2. Add the remaining two teaspoons oil to the pot. Add the onion, celery, carrot, and thyme and cook until vegetables are tender, about five minutes.3. Add five cups of broth and bring to a boil.4. Add the orzo and let simmer until tender, about eight minutes. Turn the heat down to low to keep the soup hot but not boiling.5. Warm the remaining one cup broth in a small saucepan until it is hot but not boiling.6. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs. Gradually whisk in the lemon juice. Temper the egg mixture with warm broth, whisking the whole time.7. Add egg mixture to the soup pot, stirring well until soup is thickened. Do not let the soup come to a boil.8. Add the cooked chicken to the soup. **Note: This recipe was submitted to Joelen’s September 2009 “Tasty Tools” event. Go check out the other submissions!