Mediterranean Diet Lemon Rice Soup

Delight your taste buds with this Mediterranean Diet Lemon Rice Soup, a comforting yet zesty dish packed with wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors. This recipe combines creamy arborio rice, fresh lemon juice, and fragrant dill to create a velvety, tangy soup that's both nutritious and satisfying. Enhanced by the richness of tempered egg yolks and finished with tender baby spinach, this light yet hearty soup embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Ready in just 45 minutes, it's a perfect choice for a quick, healthy weeknight meal or an elegant starter. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete, satisfying experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups baby spinach

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and saute for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in the arborio rice and saute for 3 minutes, allowing the rice to slightly toast.

Step 4

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked through and tender.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolks.

Step 6

Once the rice is tender, slowly ladle about 1 cup of the hot soup into the lemon-egg mixture, whisking continuously to temper the egg yolks and prevent them from curdling.

Step 7

Gradually add the tempered egg mixture back into the pot, stirring constantly. The soup will take on a slightly creamy consistency.

Step 8

Stir in the chopped dill, salt, and black pepper, allowing the flavors to meld for another 2-3 minutes over low heat.

Step 9

Add the baby spinach just before serving. Stir until the spinach wilts and is evenly distributed throughout the soup.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1981.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1264.3

Total Fat 50.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.0g
Cholesterol 369mg	0%
Sodium 5789.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 171.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.1g	0%
Total Sugars 29.2g
Protein 39.2g	0%

Vitamin D 36.6IU	0%
Calcium 391.8mg	0%
Iron 11.1mg	0%
Potassium 3015.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.0%

Protein: 12.1%

Carbs: 52.9%