Greek Lemon Orzo Soup

$To make Greek Lemon Orzo Soup, you need key ingredients that bring the flavors to life. Here’s what you'll need: - 1 cup dry orzo pasta - 6 cups vegetable broth - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste You can boost the soup’s flavor with a few optional items: - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (for added protein) - Fresh dill for garnish (it adds a nice touch) Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here are some you should use: - Large pot for cooking the soup - Wooden spoon for stirring - Knife and cutting board for chopping veggies - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy These ingredients and tools will help you create a warm, comforting bowl of Greek Lemon Orzo Soup that packs a flavorful punch. Enjoy the process of cooking and tasting! {{ingredient_image_1}} How to Sauté Vegetables Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook these veggies for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir until they are soft. You want the onion to turn translucent. This step builds a strong flavor base. Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook for another minute. This will make your kitchen smell amazing! Cooking the Orzo Pasta and Combining Ingredients Now, pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth. Raise the heat to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of dry orzo pasta. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the orzo. You want it tender but not mushy. When the orzo is ready, lower the heat. If you like, stir in 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken. Add 1 cup of roughly chopped baby spinach, 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Mix it all together well and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. The spinach will wilt nicely. Final Touches to Serve the Soup Season your soup with salt and pepper. This step is key for flavor. Let the soup sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh dill if you wish. Enjoy each comforting spoonful of this Greek lemon orzo soup. Optimal Cooking Times for Ingredients Start by sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes. This softens them and brings out their sweet flavor. Next, add garlic and oregano for one minute. This step boosts the aroma. Cook the orzo in the broth for 8-10 minutes. Make sure it’s tender but not mushy. How to Achieve the Best Flavor Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright taste. The lemon adds a zesty kick that makes the soup shine. Fresh dill is optional but brings an extra layer of flavor. Always season with salt and pepper at the end. This way, you can adjust to your liking. Storing Leftovers Safely Let the soup cool before storing. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. It stays good in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, leave out the spinach. Add it when you reheat the soup. This keeps the texture nice and fresh. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your soup. Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce the liquid or add more orzo. Protein Options: Feel free to experiment with different proteins like chickpeas or quinoa for a vegetarian version. Make Ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge and can be made ahead of time; just add spinach before serving to keep it fresh. {{image_2}} You can easily make Greek Lemon Orzo Soup vegetarian. Start by skipping the chicken. Instead, use extra veggies for protein. Here are some great options to consider: - Chickpeas: These are filling and add nice texture. - Lentils: They bring a hearty feel and improve nutrition. - Tofu: Firm tofu works well. Just cube and add it to soup. For greens, baby spinach is a classic choice. But you can swap it for: - Kale: This green adds a robust flavor. - Swiss chard: It brings a slight sweetness. - Arugula: This gives a peppery kick. To change the flavor profile, try these herbs and spices: - Thyme: It adds warmth and depth. - Basil: Fresh basil gives a sweet note. - Cilantro: This herb adds a bright twist. These swaps keep the soup delicious and satisfying while meeting your dietary needs. How to Store Leftovers After enjoying your Greek Lemon Orzo Soup, let it cool. Pour leftovers into an airtight container. This helps keep the soup fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Freezing Greek Lemon Orzo Soup If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. Make sure the soup is cool first. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space for the soup to expand. It can last in the freezer for about three months. Reheating Instructions for Best Texture When you’re ready to eat your soup, heat it gently. Pour it into a pot over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. If it seems thick, add a splash of water or broth. This will help bring back its creamy texture. Enjoy it warm and tasty! Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can make Greek lemon orzo soup ahead of time. Cook the soup and cool it down. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it gently on the stove. If you plan to freeze it, leave out the orzo. Add the pasta when you reheat. This keeps the orzo from getting mushy. How to prevent orzo from becoming mushy? To keep orzo firm, cook it separately. Add orzo to boiling water and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process. Then, add the cooked orzo to the soup just before serving. This way, it stays chewy and perfect. What can I use instead of vegetable broth? If you don’t have vegetable broth, use chicken broth. It adds a nice flavor. You can also use water with added seasonings. Mix in some herbs, salt, and a splash of lemon juice for a zing. This will help enhance the taste of your soup. In this article, I outlined how to make Greek Lemon Orzo Soup. We discussed essential and optional ingredients, plus tools to use. You learned steps to sauté, cook orzo, and add final touches. I shared tips for cooking times and flavor, along with safe storage practices. We also explored variations for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Make this soup your own. Enjoy the cooking process, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors. Each bowl can be unique and satisfying. Happy cooking!$

Greek Lemon Orzo Soup

Discover the deliciousness of Greek lemon orzo soup! This healthy Greek soup recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients, featuring orzo soup with spinach and a zesty lemon kick. Perfect as a comforting meal, this easy lemon orzo soup can also be made with or without chicken. Enjoy the hearty goodness of this vegetable broth soup recipe. Try it today and elevate your meal game! Save this recipe for later! #GreekLemonOrzoSoup #HealthySoup #EasySoupRecipe #OrzoSoup

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Ingredients

1 cup dry orzo pasta

6 cups vegetable broth

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (optional for added protein)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh dill for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and dried oregano to the pot. Stir and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.

When the orzo is tender, reduce the heat, and stir in the cooked chicken, if using. Add the baby spinach, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken a bit.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill if desired, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6