Description
Healthy Vegetable Orzo Soup is a comforting, nutrient-packed soup featuring a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables and tender orzo pasta. This quick and easy recipe delivers natural energy, supports digestive health with its fiber-rich ingredients, and offers a warm, hearty meal perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables Mix
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach (or kale), chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
Aromatics & Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Liquids
- 6 cups vegetable broth (preferably homemade or high-quality)
Pasta
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
Oils & Herbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash and chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces—carrots, celery, onions, and leafy greens work best. Mince garlic and gather your herbs.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, and celery, cooking them until softened and fragrant to form the soup’s flavorful base.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Add the remaining vegetables and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Cook the Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7 to 10 minutes, until al dente.
- Season and Finish: Add fresh herbs, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Stir well, then remove from heat and allow flavors to meld for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or homemade vegetable broth for the best flavor.
- Add leafy greens like spinach or kale near the end of cooking to keep them bright and retain nutrients.
- Do not overcook the orzo to avoid mushy texture; aim for al dente.
- Always taste before serving and adjust seasoning with salt or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
- For a creamy texture without dairy, blend a small portion of the soup and stir it back in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg