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Hearty Spinach Orzo Soup Recipe

Hearty Spinach Orzo Soup Recipe

5.1 from 30 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: spinach orzo soup, vegetable soup, vegetarian soup, healthy soup, easy soup recipe, Mediterranean soup, orzo pasta soup