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To make a delicious Spinach Orzo Soup, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 carrot, diced - 1 celery stalk, diced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) When picking fresh ingredients, look for vibrant colors and firm textures. For spinach, choose bright green leaves without yellow spots. The onion should feel heavy and firm. The carrot and celery should be crisp and not bend. Fresh garlic should be tight and dry, with no sprouting. If you can’t find orzo, you can use small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice. For vegetable broth, homemade stock works well too. Any leafy green, like kale or Swiss chard, can replace spinach. If you want to skip dairy, leave out the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free option. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your fresh veggies. You will need onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Dice the onion and carrot into small pieces. Chop the celery into thin slices. Mince the garlic into tiny bits. In a large pot, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté these for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to soften and become fragrant. Next, add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Stir for about one minute. This helps release all the wonderful flavors. Pour in four cups of vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Once you see bubbles, it’s time to add the orzo pasta. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. As the orzo cooks, it will soak up some of that broth. This adds flavor to the pasta. After the orzo is cooked, stir in two cups of chopped spinach. Let it wilt for about two minutes. This makes the soup vibrant and healthy. Now, season the soup with salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust the flavors to your liking. Finally, remove the pot from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. To boost the taste of your soup, consider these tips: - Add fresh herbs: Use parsley or basil for a bright touch. - Use lemon zest: This adds a fresh layer of flavor. - Incorporate red pepper flakes: A pinch brings a nice kick. - Try different broths: Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth for depth. - Sauté vegetables longer: This builds a richer base. These steps will make your soup even more delicious. Avoid these common pitfalls for the best soup: - Overcooking orzo: Follow the package time closely to keep it al dente. - Skipping the seasonings: Don’t forget salt and pepper until the end. - Not adding spinach at the right time: Add it in the last minutes to keep its bright color. - Using old broth: Fresh broth makes a big difference in taste. Steering clear of these mistakes leads to a better soup. Serving your Spinach Orzo Soup can be fun. Here are some ideas: - Garnish with cheese: Grated Parmesan adds flavor and richness. - Serve with crusty bread: A slice of sourdough or baguette works well. - Pair with a salad: A light green salad complements the soup nicely. - Top with fresh herbs: This adds a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your soup in these tasty ways! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and quality vegetable broth enhance the soup's flavor significantly, making it more vibrant and nutritious. Al Dente Orzo: To prevent the orzo from becoming mushy, cook it until al dente and serve immediately after adding the spinach. Season Gradually: Taste the soup as you season it. Adding salt and pepper gradually helps you achieve the perfect balance without overdoing it. Lemon Zest: For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest along with the juice for a bright, refreshing note. {{image_2}} You can make this soup heartier by adding protein. Chicken is a great choice. Simply cook diced chicken breast in the pot before adding the veggies. Cook until it’s no longer pink. If you prefer plant-based options, use beans or tofu. Canned beans work well; just rinse and add them with the broth. Tofu adds a nice texture. Cube it and sauté it with the veggies. Herbs and spices can change the whole flavor of your soup. Try adding fresh basil or parsley for a fresh taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat. You can also use herbs de Provence for a unique twist. Just remember to add them in small amounts, so they don't overpower the dish. To make your soup creamy, add a splash of cream or milk near the end of cooking. Stir it in right before serving. You can also blend part of the soup until smooth. This thickens it nicely. Another option is to add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt in each bowl. This adds richness and flavor. To keep your Spinach Orzo Soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the soup cool down first. Use a container that is not too big. This way, the soup stays at the right temperature. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheating your soup is simple. Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir often to warm it evenly. You can also use the microwave. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Make sure it is hot throughout before serving. If you want to save your soup for later, freezing works great. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top. Soup expands when it freezes. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned before. Spinach Orzo Soup lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in a sealed container to keep it fresh. The flavors develop more over time, making it even tastier on day two or three. Just remember to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can make Spinach Orzo Soup ahead of time. It’s perfect for meal prep. Just cook it as normal and cool it down. Then store it in the fridge or freezer. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. Just thaw and heat when you're ready to enjoy it. If you don't have orzo, you can use other small pasta types. Options include ditalini, couscous, or even rice. Each will bring a different texture but still taste great in the soup. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. This blog post covered how to make delicious Spinach Orzo Soup. We discussed key ingredients, tips for selecting the best ones, and substitutes. You learned step-by-step instructions to prepare, cook, and serve the soup. I shared tricks to add flavor and avoid common mistakes. We even explored fun variations and storage tips. In the end, this soup is versatile and easy to make. It’s a perfect dish for any meal. You can customize it to fit your taste, so don’t hesitate to experiment!

Spinach Orzo Soup

A hearty and healthy soup made with orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and a medley of vegetables.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 150 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 and pepper
  • 1 lemon fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
  • optional grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  • Add the minced garlic, oregano, and thyme to the pot, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes.
  • Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt for about 2 minutes.
  • Season the soup with salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice to taste.
  • Remove the soup from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs for an elegant touch.
Keyword orzo, soup, spinach, vegetarian