Description
This Lemon Orzo Soup is a comforting and zesty dish perfect for any day. Featuring tender orzo pasta simmered in flavorful chicken or vegetable broth with sautéed vegetables and fresh lemon juice, this soup offers a bright, refreshing taste with every spoonful. Garnished with fresh parsley or dill, it’s a simple, wholesome meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Broth and Pasta
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
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 the chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery, sautéing until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Orzo: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7-10 minutes, until the orzo is al dente.
- Add Lemon: Remove the soup from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to give the soup a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or dill. Serve warm for the best comforting experience.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
- Adjust lemon juice to your taste preference for more or less tanginess.
- For added protein, consider adding cooked shredded chicken or beans.
- Orzo cooks quickly, so monitor it closely to avoid overcooking.
- Fresh herbs like dill or parsley add freshness; feel free to substitute based on availability.
