Veggie Orzo Soup

Introduction

Dive into a bowl of cozy goodness with this Veggie Orzo Soup, perfect for warming up your chilly days! Packed with colorful veggies and tiny pasta pieces, it’s a hug in a bowl. Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing?

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 bay leaf
8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup orzo pasta
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup fresh spinach
Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté these colorful stars until they’re soft and happy.

2. Toss in the garlic, thyme, oregano, and a little red pepper flake magic. Stir for a minute until your kitchen smells like a dream!

3. Time to bring in the big guns: pour in the veggie broth and diced tomatoes. Drop in a bay leaf for good luck, then bring it all to a gentle boil.

4. Sprinkle in the orzo pasta and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 8 minutes. It’s time to unleash your soup’s true flavor!

5. Stir in the zucchini cubes and spinach leaves. Cook until everything is soft and snuggly, about 5 minutes.

6. Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper. Give it a taste to make sure it’s just right.

7. Serve with love and maybe a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy.

Nutritional Info

Each warm and fuzzy serving offers roughly:
Calories: 200 kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 7g, Dietary Fiber: 4g, Sugars: 5g

Enjoy every spoonful of this delicious and wholesome Veggie Orzo Soup! Your taste buds will thank you! 🍲💚

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté these colorful stars until they’re soft and happy.

Step 2

Toss in the garlic, thyme, oregano, and a little red pepper flake magic. Stir for a minute until your kitchen smells like a dream!

Step 3

Time to bring in the big guns: pour in the veggie broth and diced tomatoes. Drop in a bay leaf for good luck, then bring it all to a gentle boil.

Step 4

Sprinkle in the orzo pasta and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 8 minutes. It’s time to unleash your soup’s true flavor!

Step 5

Stir in the zucchini cubes and spinach leaves. Cook until everything is soft and snuggly, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper. Give it a taste to make sure it’s just right.

Step 7

Serve with love and maybe a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy.

Notes

Tip 1

Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Tip 2

This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Tip 3

Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it becomes too thick.

Tip 4

For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end.

Enjoy every spoonful of this delicious and wholesome Veggie Orzo Soup! Your taste buds will thank you!

Cook techniques

Sautéing

Sautéing is a technique that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over medium to high heat. In the Veggie Orzo Soup, onions, carrots, and celery are sautéed until soft to enhance their flavors.

Simmering

Simmering is the process of cooking food gently in liquid at a low temperature, just below boiling. This technique is used after adding the broth and tomatoes to allow the flavors to meld together before adding the orzo.

Seasoning

Seasoning is an important technique that involves adding herbs, spices, and other flavorings to enhance the taste of a dish. In this soup, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper are used to elevate the flavors.

Cooking Pasta in Soup

When cooking pasta in soup, it’s essential to add it at the right time to ensure it cooks perfectly without becoming mushy. The orzo is added and simmered separately to maintain its texture.

Finishing Touches

Finishing touches include adding fresh ingredients at the end of cooking to preserve their texture and flavor. In the Veggie Orzo Soup, spinach and zucchini are added just before serving for a vibrant and fresh taste.

FAQ

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

Can I freeze Veggie Orzo Soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup. However, pasta may become softer upon reheating. For best results, consider freezing the soup without the pasta and adding fresh pasta when reheating.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, or peas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How can I make this soup creamy?

To make the soup creamy, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese just before serving.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup can be made in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before serving.

Conclusion