Vegetable Orzo Soup

Why Make This Recipe

Vegetable Orzo Soup is a warm and soothing dish that is perfect for any time you need a little comfort. It is packed with fresh vegetables and delicious flavors.

This soup is easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover veggies you have at home!

How To Make Vegetable Orzo Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 medium potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes
• 6–7 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1½ tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• ⅓ cup dry orzo pasta
• 1 cup frozen sweet corn
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (optional)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a large pot, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, cooking for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables soften.
3. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the potatoes, diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and celery salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Stir in the orzo, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 25-30 minutes until the orzo is al dente and the vegetables are tender.
6. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the corn. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
7. Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley. Optionally, add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to balance the flavors.
8. Serve warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, making a total of 40 minutes. It serves 4 people and each serving has about 350 calories, with 10g of protein and 8g of fat.

How To Serve Vegetable Orzo Soup

Serve Vegetable Orzo Soup hot. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with some crusty bread or crackers. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds extra flavor.

How To Store Vegetable Orzo Soup

To store leftover soup, let it cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some space in the container as the soup may expand when frozen.

Tips To Make Vegetable Orzo Soup

• Feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand.
• For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes while cooking.
• If you want more protein, add cooked beans or lentils.
• Adjust the seasonings to fit your taste.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

This Vegetable Orzo Soup is healthy and nutritious. It’s full of different vegetables that provide vitamins and minerals. The soup is low in fat and high in fiber, making it great for digestion. The orzo pasta gives you a bit of energy and keeps you full. Overall, it’s a balanced meal in one bowl.

Variation

You can make this soup with any type of pasta. Substitute orzo with small shells or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Adding greens like spinach or kale is another great way to boost the nutrients.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
   
   Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian. Just make sure to use vegetable broth.

   
   

2. How can I make this soup ahead of time?
   
   You can prepare the soup a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove before serving.

   
   

3. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried seasoning?
   
   Absolutely! Fresh herbs can add extra flavor. Just use about three times the amount of fresh herbs in place of dried.