This 10-Minute Rice Soup is the perfect comfort food that’s both quick and satisfying. Combining leftover rice with a savory broth and eggs, it delivers a warm, filling meal in no time. Rice-based soups, like the Greek avgolmono or the Japanese zosui, have long been cherished around the world for their comforting properties, and this version brings the same soul-satisfying benefits with a speedy prep time. It’s the perfect option for a simple, nourishing meal when you need comfort fast.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Leftover rice (short-grain works well)

• Chicken stock

• Soy sauce

• 2 eggs

• Salt (for the eggs)

• Garnish: sliced scallions (optional)

Directions

1. Prep the Eggs: Whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and let them rest for a few minutes to soften the proteins.

2. Prepare the Broth: In a pot, bring chicken stock and soy sauce to a rapid simmer.

3. Add Rice: Stir in the leftover rice, mixing well to prevent clumping. Let it simmer in the broth, allowing the rice’s starch to thicken the soup slightly. Adjust the thickness by adding more stock if needed.

4. Add Eggs: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and slowly pour in the whisked eggs. They’ll cook quickly and form soft scrambled pieces in the broth.

5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced scallions for added flavor and texture.

Estimated Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 150-200 kcal

• Protein: 6-8g (from rice and eggs)

• Fat: 5-7g (mainly from eggs and the small amount of soy sauce)

  • Saturated Fat: 1g

• Carbohydrates: 25-30g (mainly from rice)

  • Fiber: 1-2g

  • Sugars: 1-2g (from chicken stock and soy sauce)

• Sodium: 600-800mg (due to soy sauce and chicken stock)

• Cholesterol: 70-90mg (from eggs)

• Calcium: 20-30mg (from the broth)

• Iron: 1-2mg (from the rice and broth)

These values can change based on your specific ingredients. For example, using low-sodium chicken stock or soy sauce can reduce the sodium content.

The Comfort of Rice-Based Soups

Rice-based soups have long been a beloved comfort food in various cultures. From the Greek avgolmono, with its creamy egg-lemon broth, to the Japanese zosui, a rice soup often enjoyed as a comforting meal during colder months, these soups have earned their place as nourishing, soul-soothing dishes.

The beauty of rice soups is in their simplicity. The rice soaks up the flavors of the broth, creating a hearty, filling meal that is both satisfying and easy to digest. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply in need of a quick, nourishing meal, rice soups offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The 10-Minute Rice Soup offers a quick take on these traditional soups, combining the best aspects of their comforting nature in an easy-to-make dish.

How to Make the 10-Minute Rice Soup

Making this rice soup is incredibly simple and only takes about 10 minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you’re looking for a meal that requires little effort but delivers big comfort.

1. Prep the Eggs: Start by whisking the eggs with a pinch of salt. Let them rest for a few minutes so the proteins soften. This step ensures that the eggs will form soft, tender curds when added to the soup.

2. Prepare the Broth: In a pot, bring the chicken stock and soy sauce to a simmer. The soy sauce adds a savory depth of flavor to the broth, enhancing the overall taste of the soup. The chicken stock provides a rich base that complements the rice and eggs.

3. Add the Rice: Stir in the leftover rice and let it simmer in the broth for a few minutes. The rice will release some starch into the broth, thickening the soup slightly. If the soup becomes too thick, you can easily adjust the consistency by adding a little more stock or water.

4. Add the Eggs: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and slowly pour in the whisked eggs. The eggs will cook quickly, forming soft scrambled pieces throughout the broth. The eggs add a creamy, rich texture to the soup, making it feel indulgent despite its simplicity.

5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced scallions for a burst of freshness and flavor. The scallions also add a nice crunch that contrasts with the softness of the soup.

Nutritional Benefits of 10-Minute Rice Soup

This 10-Minute Rice Soup is not only quick and delicious but also offers some nutritional benefits. It provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, making it a filling meal. The rice offers a solid carbohydrate base, while the eggs contribute protein and healthy fats. The chicken stock adds richness, while soy sauce brings in a savory umami flavor without needing a lot of extra ingredients.

Each serving of this soup contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the specific ingredients you use, with 6-8g of protein mainly from the eggs and rice. The soup also contains around 25-30g of carbohydrates, which come primarily from the rice. While the fat content is relatively low, the 5-7g of fat mainly comes from the eggs and the small amount of soy sauce used in the broth.

The sodium content may be on the higher side, ranging between 600-800mg per serving, primarily due to the soy sauce and chicken stock. You can lower the sodium content by using low-sodium chicken stock or soy sauce if you’re trying to reduce your sodium intake.

Additionally, this soup provides small amounts of essential nutrients like calcium and iron, which come from the broth and rice.

Customizing the 10-Minute Rice Soup

One of the best things about this 10-Minute Rice Soup is how customizable it is. While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or add extra ingredients to make it your own.

• Vegetables: You can add some chopped vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, mushrooms, or spinach, to increase the nutritional value and add extra flavor. Simply add the vegetables to the broth along with the rice to let them cook and soften.

• Proteins: If you’d like to boost the protein content, you can add cooked chicken, tofu, or even shrimp. Simply add them to the soup when you add the rice, allowing them to heat through.

• Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can be added for extra flavor, or you can experiment with spices like ginger or garlic for a deeper flavor profile. A dash of sesame oil or chili oil can also add a bit of warmth and complexity to the broth.

• Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock and use soy sauce or tamari as the seasoning. You can also replace the eggs with tofu or a plant-based egg substitute if desired.

The Perfect Comfort Food

This 10-Minute Rice Soup is ideal for when you need something comforting, fast, and satisfying. It’s perfect for a chilly day or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s also a great way to use up leftover rice, making it a sustainable and economical meal.

The combination of the warm, savory broth, tender rice, and soft eggs creates a deliciously satisfying soup that will leave you feeling full and comforted. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a nourishing meal in no time.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and comforting meal, the 10-Minute Rice Soup is the perfect choice. This simple dish combines the heartiness of leftover rice with a flavorful broth and eggs, creating a warm and satisfying soup that’s ready in minutes. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a nourishing meal when you’re short on time, this soup delivers all the comfort and flavor you need. Plus, with the ability to customize it based on what you have in your kitchen, it’s a versatile and easy dish to enjoy anytime.