Description
This Summery Orzo Soup is a light, flavorful dish perfect for a quick and nutritious meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, tender orzo pasta, and brightened with lemon and fresh basil, this soup is a delightful combination of textures and tastes. It’s easy to prepare in under 35 minutes, making it ideal for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1.5 liters vegetable broth
Pasta and Vegetables
- 150g orzo pasta
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 200g spinach leaves
Finishing Touches
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the diced carrot and zucchini to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Pour in the Broth and Orzo: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the orzo pasta, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender but still holds its shape.
- Add the Tomatoes and Spinach: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are warmed through.
- Finish with Lemon: Add the lemon zest and juice to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if not vegetarian.
- For a heartier soup, add cooked shredded chicken or beans.
- To make it gluten-free, replace orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to balance acidity from lemon and saltiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
