If you’re on the hunt for a nutritious and satisfying soup that’s easy to make and budget-friendly, look no further than lemon orzo soup. This delightful dish is packed with wholesome ingredients and offers a refreshing twist on classic comfort food. Let’s dive into how simple it is to whip up this soup and explore the numerous health benefits of its key ingredients.
Why Lemon Orzo Soup?
Lemon orzo soup combines vibrant lemon with tender orzo pasta, creating a bowl of brightness and comfort. It’s a fantastic choice for a variety of dietary needs and preferences. Here’s why this soup deserves a spot in your meal rotation:
1. Easy to Make
One of the best things about lemon orzo soup is how straightforward it is. With minimal prep and cook time, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week. Simply sauté your vegetables, add in the broth, orzo, and chickpeas, and let everything simmer until the flavors meld together. Finish with a splash of lemon juice, and you’ve got a delicious and nourishing meal.
2. The Benefits of Orzo
Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that blends seamlessly into soups. Not only does it provide a delightful texture, but it also adds some substance without being overly heavy. Orzo is a great source of carbohydrates, offering sustained energy throughout the day. It’s also a versatile ingredient that pairs well with a variety of flavors and ingredients.
3. Chickpeas for Protein and Fiber
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a powerhouse ingredient in this soup. They’re packed with plant-based protein and fiber, which helps keep you full and satisfied. This makes the soup not only more filling but also a great option for weight management. Chickpeas also provide essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and folate.
4. The Zing of Lemon
Lemon juice adds a bright and zesty flavor to the soup, balancing the richness of the orzo and the earthiness of the chickpeas. Beyond its taste, lemon is a fantastic source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and adds a refreshing note to the soup. Its acidity also enhances the overall flavor profile, making each spoonful delightful.
5. Mirepoix: The Flavor Foundation
Mirepoix, a classic combination of onions, carrots, and celery, forms the aromatic base of the soup. This trio of vegetables provides a savory depth of flavor and essential vitamins and minerals. Onions are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, carrots add beta-carotene, and celery contributes to overall hydration due to its high water content.
6. Homemade Vegetable Broth
Using homemade vegetable broth in this recipe elevates the soup’s flavor and nutritional value. It’s an easy way to control the amount of sodium and avoid preservatives commonly found in store-bought broths. Plus, you can tailor the broth to your taste preferences by adding herbs and spices.
Budget-Friendly and Weight Loss Friendly
One of the most appealing aspects of lemon orzo soup is its affordability. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it a cost-effective choice for home cooking. The orzo, chickpeas, and vegetables are relatively inexpensive, and you can make a large batch that will last for several meals.
Moreover, this soup fits perfectly into a plant-based diet and aligns with principles of the Starch Solution, which focuses on whole, plant-based foods and emphasizes starches like orzo. Being vegan and rich in plant-based nutrients, this soup supports weight loss goals by keeping you full with fewer calories and nourishing your body with fiber and protein.
Final Thoughts
Lemon orzo soup is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a healthy, delicious, and budget-friendly meal. With its easy preparation, nutritional benefits, and versatile flavor profile, it’s no wonder this soup is becoming a favorite in many households. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or a meal prep staple, this soup is sure to become a go-to recipe.
So, grab your ingredients and get cooking—you’ll have a pot of lemon orzo soup ready to enjoy in no time!
Vegan Lemon Orzo Soup
Equipment
- 1 Zester
Ingredients
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups Vegetable Stock https://vicki-lynne.com/easy-cheap-vegetable-stock/
- 3 cups water
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 ½ cups chickpeas (one can, or 1.5 cups)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp dried rosemary or 1 sprig of fresh
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Heat dutch oven to medium high. Add a splash of water for sauteing. Add the onion, carrots and celery and allow to cook for about 8 minutes to become soft.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add in the remaining ingredients except the parsley. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add in the parsley and fresh ground pepper.
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