Description
Healthy Vegetable Orzo Soup is a comforting, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal that combines fresh seasonal vegetables, tender orzo pasta, and fragrant herbs. Perfect for any time of year, this soup offers a light yet satisfying way to enjoy your vegetables, suitable for quick lunches or cozy dinners. It is versatile, family-friendly, and adaptable to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Your Vegetables: Wash and chop all vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking; dice the onion and garlic finely to release their aroma when sautéed.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir until translucent and fragrant to build the flavor foundation of the soup.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add chopped carrots, celery, and zucchini to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes to soften the vegetables while preserving their crispness and color.
- Add Broth and Bring to Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and let the flavors meld for 10 minutes.
- Incorporate Orzo and Spinach: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook uncovered for about 8 to 10 minutes until tender. Add fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking to wilt it without overcooking.
- Season and Finish: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs such as parsley or basil. Stir well before turning off the heat and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh vegetable broth for deeper flavor.
- Do not overcook the orzo to avoid mushiness.
- Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture.
- A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the soup’s flavors.
- Store orzo separately from soup leftovers to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: vegetable orzo soup, healthy soup, easy soup recipe, vegan soup, gluten-free soup, quick lunch, cozy dinner