orzo lemon soup recipe

orzo lemon soup recipe

The Best orzo lemon soup recipe

I’ve been making orzo lemon soup for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I love that it’s a one-pot wonder, and the combination of orzo, lemon, and herbs is just magic.

My kids adore it, and it’s become a favorite in our household. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and customize to your taste. I like to add some spinach or kale for an extra nutritional boost, but feel free to leave it out if you’re not a fan of greens.

This soup has a light and refreshing quality that’s perfect for spring and summer nights when you want something comforting but not heavy. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, especially the orzo. I prefer to use a short-grain orzo, which holds its shape better in the soup.

Don’t be tempted to use long-grain rice instead – it will change the texture of the soup entirely. Once you’ve got your ingredients, the rest is a breeze. Simply sauté some onions and garlic, add in your orzo, broth, and lemon juice, then let it simmer until the orzo is cooked through.

You can serve it hot or cold, depending on your preference. I like to serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a dollop of yogurt on top for added creaminess.

Orzo Lemon Soup

Orzo Lemon Soup

4.8 from 616 votes

A comforting and tangy soup featuring orzo pasta, lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, and fresh herbs. This soup is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

4 cups chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups spinach, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
3Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4Add the chicken broth, dried oregano, and dried basil to the pot.
5Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
6Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
7Add the orzo pasta to the pot and stir well.
8Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
9Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
10Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese.
11Cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the soup is well combined.
12Add the chopped spinach to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the soup is vibrant green.
13Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
14Stir well and remove the pot from the heat.
15Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
16This allows the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Lemon zester
Lemon juicer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 25mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a creamier soup, you can stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream before serving. To make this soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the Parmesan cheese.

Watch Video Of How Orzo Lemon Soup Works

This orzo lemon soup recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting dinner guests or just need a comforting meal after a long day. It’s also perfect for family gatherings because everyone can customize their own bowl with their favorite toppings.

One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it hot or cold, with yogurt or without, and even add some protein like chicken or beans if you prefer. Overall, this recipe has become a staple in our household because it’s so easy to make and always impresses our guests.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Orzo Lemon Soup

Q: What is orzo?

A: Orzo is a type of Italian pasta that looks like small grains of rice. It’s made from durum wheat semolina and has a slightly nutty flavor.

Q: Can I use long-grain rice instead of orzo?

A: No, using long-grain rice will change the texture of the soup entirely and may make it too starchy.

Q: How do I store leftover soup?

A: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to two months.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time but keep in mind that the flavors may meld together more as time passes.

Q: Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

A: Yes, this soup is suitable for vegetarians but be sure to check the broth you’re using – some brands may contain animal products.

Q: Can I customize this recipe with my own herbs?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add any herbs you like – basil, parsley, or even dill would all work well in this recipe.

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