Hearty Spinach Orzo Soup Recipe
This Hearty Spinach Orzo Soup is a comforting and nutritious vegetarian dish packed with tender carrots, fresh spinach, and delicate orzo pasta simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this soup balances wholesome ingredients with simple seasoning for a deliciously satisfying meal.
- Author: Caleb
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Vegetables
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions (scallions)
- 8 oz. chopped baby spinach
- 2 minced garlic cloves
Liquids and Pasta
- 8 cups vegetable stock
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (adjust as needed)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust as needed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots and sliced green onions, sautéing them for about 5-7 minutes until the carrots become slightly tender. Then add the minced garlic and continue sautéing for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour the 8 cups of vegetable stock into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Cook the Orzo: After the simmering period, add the orzo pasta to the pot. Stir occasionally and cook the orzo for about 5 minutes or until tender but still slightly firm to the bite, ensuring it does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Final Seasoning and Cooking: Season the soup with 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, adjusting to your taste preference. Add the chopped baby spinach leaves and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with optional lemon wedges to add a fresh zing or sprinkle some vegan Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable stock with chicken broth if not vegan.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to dietary needs and taste.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk or cream before serving.
- Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, cool the soup completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Orzo can be replaced with small pasta shapes like ditalini or pastina.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: spinach orzo soup, vegetable soup, vegetarian soup, healthy soup, easy soup recipe, Mediterranean soup, orzo pasta soup