This warm Vegetable Orzo Soup is perfect for chilly days. With tender orzo pasta and a mix of colorful veggies, it’s hearty and delicious!
I love making this soup when I want something cozy and quick. Plus, it’s great for using up any veggies in the fridge – no waste here! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds a lovely flavor. If you’re out, canola or vegetable oil will work too. You can use butter for a richer taste, but it changes the flavor a bit.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo gives this soup its heartiness. If you don’t have orzo, any small pasta, like ditalini or even rice, can be a substitute. Just adjust cooking time if needed.
Vegetable Broth: It forms the soup base. Feel free to use low-sodium broth, or even water and a vegetable bouillon cube if that’s what you have on hand.
Vegetables: Don’t hesitate to swap or add different veggies like bell peppers, peas, or green beans. It’s a great way to use up what’s in your fridge! I love adding kale for extra nutrients.
White Beans: These add protein and creaminess. Chickpeas or lentils can stand in if you prefer or need a bean alternative.
How Can You Make the Perfect Broth for Your Soup?
Making a flavorful broth is key to a delicious soup. Start by sautéing the onions and garlic; this releases their natural sweetness. Use a high-quality vegetable broth for depth of flavor. If you’re using water, consider adding a bay leaf or some dried herbs while it cooks to elevate the taste.
- Always taste as you go. Adjust seasoning, adding salt and pepper gradually.
- If your broth needs a lift, a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon adds great brightness.
With these tips, your Vegetable Orzo Soup will be warming, nourishing, and full of flavor! Enjoy cooking!
Vegetable Orzo Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup white beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Vegetable Orzo Soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. So, in just about 35 minutes, you’ll have a warm and delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
2. Add the Veggies:
Next, add the diced carrots, zucchini, and celery to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to become tender.
3. Combine and Boil:
Now, it’s time to stir in the diced tomatoes (including their juices), vegetable broth, dried oregano, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to start blending together.
4. Cook the Orzo:
Once boiling, add the orzo pasta to the soup. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente. Give it a stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Finish with Greens:
After the orzo is cooked, stir in the white beans (if you’re using them) and the fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts down into the soup.
6. Season and Serve:
Finally, taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve it hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a lemon wedge on the side if you like. The lemon adds a nice zing!
Enjoy your warm and hearty Vegetable Orzo Soup! 🍲
Can I Use Different Pasta Instead of Orzo?
Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can substitute it with any small pasta shape like ditalini or even small shells. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure the pasta is cooked through.
How Long Will Leftover Vegetable Orzo Soup Last?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave some space in the container since the soup will expand when frozen!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Soup?
Yes, feel free to get creative with your veggies! You can add bell peppers, peas, green beans, or even kale. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you use vegetables that take longer to soften.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Vegetable Broth?
If you don’t have vegetable broth, you can easily substitute it with water and add a couple of vegetable bouillon cubes for flavor. Alternatively, homemade broth or low-sodium chicken broth works great as well.
