Description
A bright and comforting Lemon Orzo Soup featuring tender orzo pasta, aromatic vegetables, and fresh lemon zest and juice for a refreshing flavor. Perfect for a cozy meal that comes together quickly using simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Flavorings and Garnish
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Orzo: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and reduce heat to maintain a gentle boil. Cook the orzo according to package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until it is al dente.
- Add Lemon Flavor: Remove the soup from heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to infuse the soup with bright citrus notes.
- Season and Garnish: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished generously with chopped fresh parsley or dill for a herby finish.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this soup.
- To enhance the lemon flavor, add a little extra zest but do not add too much juice to avoid overpowering the soup.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
- You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes if preferred.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
