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Lemon Pastina with Avgolemono Inspiration and Dill Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 12 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Greek, Italian

Description

Lemon Pastina is a comforting Greek-Italian fusion dish that beautifully combines the creamy, citrus-infused flavors of Avgolemono soup with tender pastina pasta. Enhanced with garlic, fresh lemon juice, and dill, this simple yet elegant dish offers a luscious texture and bright, refreshing notes perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 – 1 1/2 lemons, juiced
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 lb pastina (small pasta)
  • 1 tbsp dill, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Sauté Garlic: In a pot over low to medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until soft and fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
  2. Add Broth and Lemon: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low to maintain a low simmer.
  3. Temper Egg: In a separate bowl, beat the egg until smooth. Slowly drizzle in about 2 cups of the hot broth mixture while continuously whisking to gradually warm the egg without curdling it.
  4. Combine Egg Mixture and Broth: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot and raise the heat to low-medium. This step creates the creamy avgolemono base.
  5. Cook Pastina: Add the pastina to the pot and cook until al dente, which will take longer than the package instructions. Stir frequently, about every minute, to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  6. Adjust Consistency: Check the texture; it should be slightly loose. If it’s too loose, let it cook a bit longer for the pasta to absorb more liquid. If it’s too thick, add additional broth in 1/4-cup increments to reach desired consistency.
  7. Add Dill and Serve: Stir in the roughly chopped dill just before serving to add fresh, aromatic flavor. Serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright citrus flavor.
  • Temper the egg carefully to avoid scrambling when adding it to the hot broth.
  • Stir frequently while cooking the pasta to prevent it from sticking and ensure creamy texture.
  • Pastina cooks faster than other pastas but will take longer here due to the method; watch carefully to achieve perfect al dente.
  • Adjust broth quantity to achieve the desired creaminess and consistency.
  • This dish is traditionally gluten-containing due to the pastina; substitute gluten-free pasta if needed.

Find it online: https://dishrise.com/lemon-pastina-with-avgolemono-inspiration-and-dill-recipe/