Orzo Lemon Soup Recipe
Cozy Up with Creamy Orzo Lemon Soup: A Taste of Italian Comfort
As the days get shorter and the evenings cooler, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to nourish the soul. Today, we’re sharing a delightful recipe for Orzo Lemon Soup – a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. This isn’t your average soup; the tiny pasta pearls of orzo create a wonderfully creamy texture, while the bright lemon zest and juice add a refreshing zing. It’s a little bit Italian sunshine in a bowl!
This soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend lunch, or even a light yet satisfying starter. It’s also incredibly versatile – feel free to add your favorite vegetables or protein to make it your own. We’ve kept it simple and classic, letting the flavors of lemon, orzo, and good-quality broth shine through.
What makes this Orzo Lemon Soup special?
- Creamy Texture: Orzo pasta cooks into a lovely, creamy consistency, making this soup incredibly comforting.
- Bright & Refreshing: The lemon juice and zest cut through the richness, creating a balanced and flavorful soup.
- Easy to Customize: Add spinach, kale, chicken, or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
- Quick & Simple: Ready in under 40 minutes, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights.
Tips for the Best Orzo Lemon Soup:
- Use good quality broth: The broth is the base of the soup, so choose a flavorful one. Vegetable or chicken broth both work well.
- Don’t overcook the orzo: You want the orzo to be al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it. It will continue to cook slightly in the soup.
- Fresh Lemon is Key: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t compare to the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemons.
- Adjust to your taste: Feel free to add more or less lemon juice, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning to suit your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use different greens?
A: Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or chard all work well in this soup. Just add them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, but the orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. You may need to add a little more broth when reheating.
Q: Is this soup vegetarian/vegan?
A: This recipe is easily vegetarian. To make it vegan, use vegetable broth and substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream.
Q: Can I add protein to this soup?
A: Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would all be delicious additions.
We hope you enjoy this comforting and flavorful Orzo Lemon Soup as much as we do! It’s a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day and nourish your body and soul.
Orzo Lemon Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 2 medium carrots peeled and finely chopped
- 2 ribs celery finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- to taste red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 Bay leaf
- to taste salt and black pepper
- 1/2 bunch greens arugula, kale, or spinach
- 1/2 cup milk whole, half and half, or full-fat coconut milk
- 1 lemon for juice and zest
- to taste fresh parsley for serving
- to taste Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, garlic, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate the butter into the mixture, then stir in the dry orzo pasta. Sauté until the orzo turns golden brown, about 1 to 3 minutes.
- Pour in the broth, add the Italian seasoning and bay leaf, and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Mix in the milk and Parmesan cheese, followed by the greens and the lemon juice and zest. Continue to cook for a few minutes until the greens are wilted and the soup is heated through.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, a grind of black pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Enjoy your warm, comforting orzo lemon soup!
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