How to Make Lemon Orzo Soup Recipe
Here’s a recipe for Lemon Orzo Soup that’s catchy, comforting and refreshing. The freshness of the lemon and contrast of the creamy orzo pasta makes a delicious soup that is good any time of year. This fresh, flavorful soup is easy to make and ideal for lunch or a light dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fresh and bright: The soup gets a perky kick from fresh, citrusy lemon.
Hearty, but light: The recipe calls for orzo pasta, which adds a comforting texture but doesn’t make the soup weigh heavy.
Fast and easy: Prepared in less than 30 minutes!
Adaptable: Add veggies, greens or protein to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 cup orzo pasta
1 medium carrot, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 2 lemons
Salt and pepper to taste
1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced (optional or garnish)
(Optional, for extra greens) Spinach or kale
1 teaspoon dried thyme (omit for W30)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
It begins with extra-virgin olive oil in a wide pot on medium heat. 1. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until it starts to soften and turn translucent. Then, add in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Broth and Vegetables
Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth), then add the diced carrot and celery. Simmer and cook until the vegetables are just tender, about 10 minutes.
Add Orzo Pasta
When vegetables are your desired softness/ doneness, add the orzo pasta. Simmer another 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked al dente. Stir with regularity to keep the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Add Lemon and Season
When the orzo is cooked, stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. You may also add a pinch of dried thyme if you wish for additional taste.
Add Greens (Optional)
If you are looking to sneak in a bit more green, stir in some spinach or kale at this stage. Simmer the soup for another 2-3 minutes, until the greens are wilted and tender.
Serve
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Spoon the soup into bowls and top with chopped fresh parsley. If you want even more bright citrus flavor (and the flavor of lemon oil), you can also add a little more lemon juice, if you want.
Tips for the Best Lemon Orzo Soup
Broth choice: For the best flavor, use a quality vegetable broth or homemade broth. Use chicken broth if you’re not vegetarian.
Add protein: Make this soup more filling by adding shredded chicken, tofu or white beans.
Make it creamy: If you prefer creamy soups, you can add a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream just before serving.
Zesty touch: If you’re a fan of heavy lemon flavor, add more lemon juice or zest to taste.
Leftovers: This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If refrigerating leftovers, know that orzo absorbs some of the broth, and you’ll probably need to splash in a little extra broth when you reheat.
Orzo Soup rates a 5 on the HealthifyMe health meter.
Lemon: Loaded with vitamin C, lemons boost your immune system, help with digestion, and encourage healthy skin.
Orzo pasta: This shape gives you energy (a great source of carbohydrates), and without weighing you down.
Vegetables, such as carrots and celery, deliver necessary vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants to aid overall well-being.
Parsley: Parsley will add a nutritional component in addition to fresh flavor, as it’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I cook this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make this soup ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for 3 days. If the soup thickens as it sits because the orzo absorbs the broth, simply add a bit more broth when you reheat it.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: The soup can be frozen for 3 months. But orzo can lose a bit of its texture when frozen and reheated. If you will freeze it, think about cooking the orzo separately and adding it when you’re ready to reheat the soup.
Q: What if I don’t have orzo — can I use different pasta?
A: Absolutely! You can use small pasta shapes such as satellite, farfalle or mini penne. Just watch the cooking time for the pasta you use.
Q: Is this soup vegetarian?
Q: Is this Lemon Orzo Soup vegetarian and egg-free? It’s also simple to make vegan if you skip the cream or use a non-dairy substitute.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Orzo Soup // This light, vibrant, hearty soup is a great option for spring, and beyond! It is a bright lemony, tender orzo, fresh vegetables, comforting but healthier bowl of soup. Whether you want a speedy lunch, a supper light enough to accompany your favorite salad, or something that easily falls within the “soup” category, this one is all of the above. Try it today, and you’ll soon understand why it is going to become a go-to!
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