Description
This comforting Lemon Orzo Soup is a bright and flavorful blend of tender orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon infusion. Perfect for a cozy meal, the soup features a fragrant sauté of onions, carrots, celery, and garlic simmered in a savory chicken or vegetable broth, finished with fresh lemon juice and zest. Garnished with fresh parsley or dill, it’s light yet satisfying and easy to prepare 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 large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Bring to Boil: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Cook Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the boiling broth and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until the orzo is al dente but tender.
- Incorporate Lemon: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest thoroughly to infuse the soup with bright citrus flavor.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Using vegetable broth makes this soup vegetarian-friendly.
- Adjust the lemon juice quantity to taste for more or less citrus tang.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or cream just before serving.
- Orzo can quickly overcook; keep an eye on the pasta to maintain a perfect texture.
- This soup can be made a day ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop.
