Description
Lemon orzo soup is a bright and nourishing dish that combines fresh lemons with tender orzo pasta and wholesome vegetables. This delightful soup bursts with flavor, making it an ideal comfort meal for any season. In just about 30 minutes, you can create a warm bowl that is both healthy and satisfying. Perfect as a starter or a main course, this recipe will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients
– 2 large lemons (zested and juiced)
– 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
– 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 medium carrots (diced)
– 1 stalk celery (finely chopped)
– 3 cups fresh spinach
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced carrots and chopped celery; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and add orzo. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until the orzo is al dente.
3. Stir in fresh spinach and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, allowing flavors to meld for a few minutes.
4. Serve hot, garnished with lemon zest if desired.
Notes
– For a vegetarian version, simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
– Feel free to add protein such as shredded chicken or chickpeas for extra heartiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g