Lemon Orzo Soup

This lemon orzo soup is comforting, filling and full of good for you ingredients. Fresh herbs, turmeric and lemon infuse the broth with so much flavor. Cannelini beans and orzo make this vegan soup a satisfying meal that is perfect for any chilly day. Butternut squash lends a bit of sweetness to balance out the tangy lemon. This Mediterranean inspired soup is super easy and quick to make, so it is perfect for a beginner home cook. But it is delicious enough to please a seasoned chef. Give this Mediterranean vibe a try.

What is orzo?

Orzo are tiny oblong shaped pastas that resemble rice. If you have ever had boxed rice pilaf, you have had orzo. They are double the size of rice and have a really pleasant texture. Orzo cooks really fast and is one of my favorite pastas for soups and salads. It is perfect for this lemon orzo soup because it is simultaneously light and filling. I love how it doesn't swell and get mushy when added to soups like other pastas.

Ingredients for Lemon Orzo Soup

The ingredients or this lemon orzo soup are pretty simple and easy to find. The only ones that could give you trouble are butternut squash and Cannellini beans. If you cannot find butternut squash because of the time of year, you can substitute sweet potato or extra carrots. If cannellini beans cannot be found, you can substitute great northern white beans or butterbeans. Chickpeas are also a great sub. Use whatever kinds of herbs are handy. I use mint, parsley and cilantro but dill and basil are also wonderful flavor enhancers. Here is a breakdown of the ingredients list.

Olive oil is a healthy fat that is a good source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. I use it in all my cooking almost exclusively.

Garlic is a pungent herb that is used in many cuisines around the world. Garlic has been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.

Onion is an aromatic vegetable that is used to flavor many soups and sauces.

Celery is one of the three ingredients in mirepoix which is the foundation of most soups and many sauces.

Carrots are a vegetable that are a good source of vitamins A, K, and C. They are also a good source of fiber.

Butternut squash is a winter squash that is a good source of vitamins A, C, and E. It is also a good source of fiber.

Orzo is a small pasta that is shaped like rice. Orzo can be used in soups, salads, and casseroles.

Cannellini beans are a type of white bean. They can be used in soups, salads, and dips.

Turmeric is a spice that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is a good source of antioxidants and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Frozen peas are a convenient and healthy way to add vegetables to your diet. They are also a good source of protein and fiber.

Mixed fresh herbs can add flavor and nutrients to your food. Some common fresh herbs include basil, oregano, parsley, rosemary, and thyme. Fresh herbs can be used in soups, salads, sauces, and marinades.

Lemon is a citrus fruit with a bright, fresh flavor. Lemons are used in juices, salads, desserts, and even in cleaning products.

How to Make Lemon Orzo Soup

This is a really great beginner soup recipe. It is easy and produces such flavorful results. Bonus is that it is quick to make and will wow your family or guests.

• In a large pot over medium heat fry garlic and onions for 5 minutes until fragrant.
• Add celery, carrots and butternut squash and cook for 5 minutes stirring often.
• Add orzo and cook for 5 minutes.
• Add water, beans, peas, turmeric, salt and herbs and bring to a boil. Then simmer for 15 minutes until all veggies are fork tender.
• Last add lemon, taste for salt and adjust to your taste and garnish with fresh herbs and black pepper.

Other delicious vegan orzo recipes

• Black Lentil and Orzo Stew
• Winter Orzo Pasta Salad
• Orzo and Kale Stew