in the tapestry of life, there are certain threads that weave a story of love, legacy, and flavors that transcend generations.
this is the inspiration for “yiayia’s blue zone kitchen,” a series inspired by the remarkable life and culinary genius of my beloved yiayia.
recently, at the age of 93, she passed away, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire my time in the kitchen.

yiayia, along with my pappou, shared an extraordinary life, both reaching the remarkable age of 93. their secret?
a commitment to the rich traditions of the greek mediterranean diet.
it was not just a way of eating for them; it was a way of life. the vibrant hues of fruits, the robust flavors of olive oil, and the simplicity of ingredients defined their daily nourishment.
my connection with cooking finds its roots in the kitchen of my yiayia. she was not just a cook; she was a wizard of sorts!!
among her best classic dishes, avgolemeno soup stood as a beacon of comfort, warmth, and tradition.
in her honor, i made this soup vegan, attempting to capture the exact flavors of the original.
join me in the pages of “yiayia’s blue zone kitchen” as we celebrate a life well-lived, flavors well-savored, and the enduring legacy of a phenomenal cook :).
yiayia’s avgolemeno soup is more than a dish; it’s a journey through memories, flavors, and the essence of a life well-lived.
in this vegan rendition, we capture the taste and texture, sans the egg whites, and bring you a comforting bowl of nostalgia.

ingredients:
the magic begins with a blend of 1/2 cup tangy dairy-free yogurt (cocojune or culina work wonders), 1/3 cup plain hummus, the juice of 2 lemons (adjust to taste), and 1/2 cup veggie broth.
this creamy concoction sets the stage for the soul-soothing experience that follows.
sautéing the aromatics:
start by sautéing a finely diced white onion, a few minced garlic cloves, and 2 cups of finely chopped carrots in extra virgin olive oil.
let them dance together for about 7 minutes until the onions turn translucent.
rice and seasoning:
add 1 cup of rice, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp onion powder, and sea salt to taste.
sauté for an additional minute, letting the flavors mingle in the pot.
liquid love:
pour in 64 ounces of vegetable broth and 1 and 1/4 cups of water.
let the mixture cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the goodness.
creamy addition:
here’s where the magic really happens.
introduce the creamy blend from the blender, stirring it into the pot.
continue cooking for another 20 minutes or until the carrots and rice reach a state of tender perfection.
garnish and enjoy:
finish off with a generous sprinkle of fresh dill. take a moment, inhale the aromatic goodness, and savor each spoonful.
the result? a bowl of avgolemeno soup that not only mirrors yiayia’s original but transcends it, giving you a taste of tradition with a plant-based twist.
flavors and textures:
the beauty of this vegan avgolemeno lies in its rich, creamy texture – a result of the yogurt-hummus-lemon blend.
the flavors are a combination of tanginess, warmth, and a hint of the Mediterranean sun.
each spoonful takes you back to yiayia’s kitchen, where love and simplicity were the main ingredients.
cooking process:
sautéing the aromatics builds the foundation, creating a fragrant base that sets the stage for the rice and seasoning.
the liquid love, a mix of vegetable broth and water, infuses the pot with warmth, while the creamy addition elevates the soup to a whole new level.
yiayia’s avgolemeno magic isn’t just about replicating a recipe; it’s about capturing the heart of her kitchen, her love, and the joy she found in every meal :).

if you like my Comforting Vegan Greek Avgolemeno Soup, you’ll also love these other recipes of mine!
Roasted Tomato and Pepper Soup with Grilled Cheese
The Best Vegan White Lasagna Soup
Nourishing Vegan Jackfruit Stew
Baked Sweet Potato Spinach Soup
The Best Nourishing Vegan Potato Salad
Epic Cheesy Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Dip
Vegan and Gluten Free Cheddar Biscuits
The Ultimate Vegan Baked Brussels Sprouts
Buffalo Barbecue Brussels Sprouts (Vegan + GF)
Vegan and Gluten-free Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Vegan Garlic Ranch Smashed Potatoes
Easy Veggie Pasta Salad with Tahini Dressing
Delicious Chard and Kalamata Olive Pasta
Dairy-Free Buffalo Sauce Mac n Cheese
Healthy Vegan Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Semi-Homemade Vegan Pasta Bake
Vegan Greek Village Pasta Salad
Vegan Spicy Mushroom Stroganoff

are you going to make my Comforting Vegan Greek Avgolemeno Soup!?
if you make one of my recipes, i would LOVE to see your creation! be sure to leave a review in the comments section, it is so appreciated and helps my small business.
also, you can follow upbeetandkaleingit on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more vegan recipes!
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Comforting Vegan Greek Avgolemeno Soup
Recipe by Mary5
servings20
minutes35
minutesIngredients
1/2 cup thick and tangy dairy-free yogurt (recommend: cocojune or culina)
1/3 cup plain hummus
juice of 2 lemons (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup vegetable broth
extra virgin olive oil
1 small white onion, finely diced
few minced garlic cloves
2 cups finely chopped carrots
1 cup rice
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp onion powder
sea salt to taste
64 ounces vegetable broth
1 and 1/4 cups water
fresh dill for garnish
Directions
- creamy blend:
in a blender, combine 1/2 cup dairy-free yogurt, 1/3 cup hummus, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup veggie broth.
blend until smooth and set aside. - sauté aromatics:
in a pot, sauté finely diced white onion, minced garlic, and chopped carrots in olive oil for about 7 minutes until onions are translucent. - rice and seasoning:
add rice, dried oregano, onion powder, and sea salt.
sauté for an additional minute. - liquid base:
pour in 64 ounces of vegetable broth and 1 and 1/4 cups of water.
cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes once the soup comes to a boil. - eamy addition:
introduce the creamy blend from the blender.
continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes or until carrots and rice are tender. - rnish and serve:
garnish with fresh dill.
enjoy this comforting, fresh, and light avgolemeno soup, a delicious homage to yiayia’s blue zone kitchen.


