Spinach Orzo Soup

$- 1 cup of orzo pasta - 4 cups of vegetable broth - 2 cups of fresh spinach, chopped - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 carrot, diced - 1 celery stalk, diced - 1 teaspoon of dried oregano - 1 teaspoon of dried thyme - 2 tablespoons of olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Juice from 1 fresh lemon - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) The ingredients for spinach orzo soup offer a nice balance of flavors and nutrients. Orzo pasta adds a fun texture, while fresh spinach brings in vitamins. The broth forms the soup's base and adds depth. Onion, carrot, and celery create a flavorful start. The garlic, oregano, and thyme enhance the taste. Olive oil helps in cooking and adds healthy fat. Lemon juice brightens the flavors, and Parmesan cheese adds richness if you choose to use it. Each ingredient plays a role in making this soup hearty and nourishing. You can enjoy this dish any time of year. Whether you need comfort or nourishment, this soup delivers both. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by pouring olive oil into a large pot. Heat it over medium heat. 2. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté these veggies for 5-7 minutes. Stir them until they soften and the onion turns clear. 3. Now, add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Sauté for one more minute. The garlic should smell great. 1. Carefully pour in the vegetable broth. Stir it well and bring it to a gentle boil. 2. Once boiling, stir in the orzo pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until it is al dente. 3. As the orzo cooks, gently fold in the chopped spinach. Let it wilt into the soup for about 2 minutes. This adds color and nutrition. 1. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and a splash of fresh lemon juice. Adjust to your taste. 2. When it's cooked, remove the pot from heat. Let the soup rest for a few minutes. This helps the flavors blend well. - To ensure perfect orzo texture, cook it in the broth. This adds flavor. - Stir the orzo often while it cooks. This prevents it from sticking together. - For sautéing vegetables, heat the olive oil first. This helps them cook evenly. - Add the onion, carrot, and celery together. This lets them soften nicely. - Stir frequently, and watch for a golden color. This means they are ready. - For a great presentation, use warm bowls. This keeps the soup hot longer. - Ladle the soup gently into each bowl. This looks nice and keeps it tidy. - Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. It adds taste and richness. - Consider garnishing with fresh herbs, like parsley. This adds color and freshness. - Spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, and K. It supports your immune system. - It is also high in iron, which helps your blood stay strong. - Orzo is a good source of carbohydrates. It provides energy for your day. - The herbs, like oregano and thyme, have antioxidants. They can help fight inflammation. Pro Tips Enhance Flavor: Consider adding a bay leaf while the soup simmers for an extra layer of flavor. Just remember to remove it before serving! Texture Variation: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and then mix it back in. This will add depth without losing the chunky vegetables. Make It Heartier: Add cooked beans or shredded chicken to the soup for additional protein and a more filling meal. Storage Tips: If you plan to store leftovers, keep the orzo separate to prevent it from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy. {{image_4}} You can switch up the greens in this soup. Try kale or chard for a different taste. These greens add a nice bite and are packed with nutrients. Adding proteins can make your soup even heartier. You can toss in cooked chicken for a filling meal. If you want a meat-free option, use beans like cannellini or chickpeas. They bring protein and fiber, making the soup more satisfying. Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped hot peppers. This will give your soup a kick. You can also mix in more vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even corn can add texture and flavor. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free orzo. Many brands offer this choice, so you won't miss out on flavor. For a vegan twist, skip the Parmesan cheese. You can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Another option is to add coconut milk for creaminess, which also adds a unique taste to the soup. To store your spinach orzo soup, cool it completely first. This step helps keep it fresh. Use an airtight container to store the soup in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days. Make sure to check for any changes in smell or color before eating leftovers. If you notice anything odd, it’s best to toss it. To freeze your spinach orzo soup, let it cool completely. Pour the soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It will last for about three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, place it in a pot on low heat. Stir often and add a splash of broth if it seems too thick. To keep your soup fresh, store it without the orzo if possible. This way, the pasta won’t soak up too much liquid. If you must store it with the orzo, be ready for a softer texture when you reheat it. Always add a little water or broth when reheating to restore its original consistency. Enjoy your soup bursting with flavor and warmth! You can make spinach orzo soup ahead of time. First, prepare the soup as usual. Let it cool down. Once cool, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, heat it on the stove. Add a little broth if it seems too thick. This keeps the soup tasty and fresh. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Small shapes work best, like ditalini or small shells. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Check the package for the best cooking instructions. This way, your soup remains delicious and hearty. You can serve various sides with spinach orzo soup. Crusty bread pairs nicely. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. These options make your meal feel complete and satisfying. Yes, spinach orzo soup is healthy. It has fresh vegetables, which provide vitamins. Spinach offers iron and antioxidants. Orzo is a good source of carbs for energy. This soup is light but filling, making it a great choice for any meal. To store leftover soup, let it cool first. Pour it into a clean container. Seal it tightly and place it in the fridge. Use it within three days for the best taste. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating. This blog post outlined how to make a delicious spinach orzo soup. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for extra flavor. I also shared storage advice and variations to suit your taste. Remember, you can mix in different greens or proteins for a unique twist. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy a healthy, hearty soup any time. Now, get cooking and savor every bite!$

A hearty and nutritious soup featuring orzo pasta and fresh spinach, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt
to taste pepper
1 fresh lemon, juiced
optional Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

In a large pot, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once warmed, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they have softened and the onion becomes translucent.
Next, incorporate the minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme into the pot. Sauté for an additional minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Carefully pour in the vegetable broth, stirring to combine, and bring the liquid to a gentle boil. Once boiling, stir in the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, which should take about 8-10 minutes until al dente.
As the orzo cooks, gently fold in the chopped spinach. Allow it to wilt into the soup for approximately 2 minutes, adding nutrition and a vibrant color.
Season the soup generously with salt, pepper, and a splash of fresh lemon juice, adjusting to your taste preference.
Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

For a delightful serving, ladle the soup into warm bowls and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs for added color.

Keyword orzo, soup, spinach, vegetarian