Easy Orzo Vegetable Soup

Introduction

Article

Nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of homemade soup. This Easy Orzo Vegetable Soup is a comforting and wholesome dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal at home. Bursting with fresh vegetables and flavorful broth, it’s not only delicious but also a great option for a nutritious lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Olive oil

1 tbsp (15 ml)

Onion

1 small, chopped (100 g)

Carrots

2, diced (120 g)

Celery stalks

2, chopped (100 g)

Garlic cloves

3, minced (10 g)

Diced tomatoes

1 can (400 g)

Vegetable broth

1.2 liters

Dried oregano

1 tsp (5 g)

Dried thyme

1/2 tsp (2.5 g)

Orzo pasta

150 g

Zucchini

1, diced (150 g)

Spinach

100 g, chopped

Salt and pepper

to taste

Lemon juice

Juice of 1/2 lemon (15 ml)

Fresh parsley

1 tbsp (4 g), chopped

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Enjoy this nourishing orzo vegetable soup as a standout dish for any meal!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.

Step 3

Stir in the can of diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5

Add the orzo pasta to the pot and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.

Step 6

Incorporate the diced zucchini and chopped spinach, stirring until the spinach is wilted and the zucchini is tender, which should take about 5 minutes.

Step 7

Mix in the juice of half a lemon and chopped fresh parsley. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 8

Remove the pot from the heat and serve the soup warm in bowls.

Notes

Storage

This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if it thickens too much.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so before adding the spinach and orzo. Freezing can impact the texture of the orzo and spinach.

Vegetable Variations

Feel free to customize this soup by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, or peas, depending on your preferences or what you have available.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soup with crusty bread or a side salad to make it a complete meal. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop or microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the orzo vegetable soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. You can garnish with extra fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. For a heartier dish, consider adding some cooked beans or lentils.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving:
– Calories: Approximately 250
– Protein: 8g
– Carbohydrates: 38g
– Dietary Fiber: 5g
– Sugars: 4g
– Fat: 7g
– Saturated Fat: 1g
– Sodium: 600mg
– Vitamin A: 180% DV
– Vitamin C: 30% DV
– Calcium: 10% DV
– Iron: 15% DV

h2>Ingredient Substitutions

Olive Oil

You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or coconut oil for frying.

Orzo Pasta

If orzo pasta is unavailable, small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous can be used instead.

Diced Tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes can be used in place of canned diced tomatoes, or you can opt for fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.

Vegetable Broth

Chicken broth can be substituted for a non-vegetarian version, or you can use water if you prefer a lighter flavor.

Add-ins

Feel free to include other vegetables such as bell peppers, green beans, or corn based on your preference or what you have on hand.

Cook Techniques

Sautéing

Sautéing is a cooking technique where vegetables are cooked quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over medium to high heat. This method helps to enhance the flavors and soften the vegetables. In this recipe, onion, carrots, and celery are sautéed to create a flavorful base for the soup.

Simmering

Simmering involves cooking food gently in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. This allows the ingredients to meld and flavors to develop without causing them to break down too much. For the orzo vegetable soup, bringing the broth and tomatoes to a boil and then reducing the heat to simmer helps create a rich flavor.

Cooking Pasta

Cooking orzo pasta requires boiling it in the soup for a specific amount of time until tender. It should be added after the soup has simmered to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the broth.

Incorporating Greens

Adding greens like spinach at the end of the cooking process helps to retain their vibrant color, texture, and nutritional benefits. This technique ensures they maintain some firmness while infusing the soup with their flavor.

Seasoning

Proper seasoning is essential in cooking. Adding salt, pepper, and lemon juice enhances the overall flavor of the soup. Adjusting the seasoning towards the end of cooking allows you to achieve the desired taste.

Garnishing

Garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor to the soup. This technique is used right before serving to enhance presentation and taste.

FAQ

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or ditalini.

Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Yes, the soup can be frozen; however, it is best to freeze it without the pasta added for optimal texture. You can add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate any vegetables you like or have on hand, such as bell peppers, green beans, or peas.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes, you can use gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How can I make this soup more filling?

You can add protein sources like beans, lentils, or diced tofu to make the soup more filling and nutritious.

Conclusion

This easy orzo vegetable soup is not only a comforting and nutritious option but also versatile and customizable. With its fresh vegetables and zesty flavor, it’s an ideal meal for any time of the year. Serve it as a main course or as a delightful side to your favorite sandwich, and enjoy the wholesome goodness it brings to your table.

Orzo and Chicken Soup

Add cooked chicken pieces to the soup for a protein boost. The addition of chicken will make it a hearty option that will satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.

Italian Sausage and Orzo Soup

Incorporate crumbled Italian sausage for a savory twist. The rich flavors of the sausage pair perfectly with the vegetable medley, creating a deliciously hearty soup.

Orzo and Pesto Soup

Stir in some basil pesto towards the end of cooking for a burst of flavor. The herby essence enhances the soup while adding depth and richness.

Lentil Orzo Soup

Substitute some of the orzo with green or brown lentils for added protein and fiber. This combination will make your soup even more filling and nutritious.

Spicy Orzo Tomato Soup

Add a touch of heat by mixing in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. This gives the soup a spicy kick that can warm you up on colder days.

Asian-Inspired Orzo Soup

Incorporate ginger, soy sauce, and bok choy for an Asian twist. This unique spin on the soup will provide an exciting flavor profile that’s different from the traditional recipe.

Vegetarian Greek Orzo Soup

Include kalamata olives and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version. The salty olives and creamy feta complement the other vegetables beautifully.