Orzo Vegetable Soup is a delicious and wholesome dish that combines tender orzo with a variety of fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a cozy night in, this soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds.
Orzo Vegetable Soup
Why This Orzo Vegetable Soup Is the Best
- Fresh Vegetables: A mix of carrots, leafy greens, and other vegetables brings natural sweetness and nutrients to the dish.
- Flavorful Broth: The clear broth is seasoned with herbs and spices, making every spoonful delicious and aromatic.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and whole grains, this soup is a nutritious choice for any meal.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or a comforting meal on a chilly day, Orzo Vegetable Soup is the perfect choice. The combination of fresh vegetables and flavorful broth makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
Soup
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables, releasing their flavors.
- Banana Shallots & Garlic: Provide a sweet and mild onion flavor, while garlic adds depth and warmth to the soup.
- Celery & Carrots: Classic soup vegetables that offer crunch, sweetness, and balance to the savory broth.
- Orzo: A small pasta that thickens the soup and provides a satisfying, hearty texture.
Green Beans: Add a fresh, crisp texture and vibrant green color to the soup. - Vegetable Broth: The foundation of the soup, providing moisture and a savory base to tie all the flavors together.
- Curly Kale: Adds a nutritious and slightly bitter contrast to the other vegetables, making the soup heartier.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the flavors of the soup, bringing out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
- Basil Pesto: Adds an herby, rich flavor to the broth, infusing it with fresh basil and garlic.
Cashew Cream
- Raw Cashews & Water: Create a dairy-free, creamy texture when blended, giving the soup a luxurious finish.
Optional Toppings
- Parmesan: Adds a savory, salty touch that complements the pesto and broth.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping, adding a crunchy contrast to the soup.
- Pesto: An extra burst of flavor to enhance the overall taste of the soup.
Tips for Making the Best Orzo Vegetable Soup
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and nutrition, use fresh, high-quality vegetables and herbs.
- Cook Orzo Separately: Cook the orzo pasta separately and add it to the soup just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Season Well: Season the broth generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs for maximum flavor.
- Simmer Gently: Allow the soup to simmer gently to let the flavors meld together and the vegetables become tender.
Serving Suggestions
- With Crusty Bread: Serve Orzo Vegetable Soup with a slice of crusty bread or a bread roll for a complete meal.
- With a Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced and nutritious meal.
- With Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness and flavor.
- With Lemon Wedges: Add a wedge of lemon to squeeze over the soup for a fresh and tangy touch.
- With Garlic Bread: Enjoy it with garlic bread for an extra touch of flavor.
- With Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Orzo Vegetable Soup. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Comforting, nutritious, and packed with deliciousness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious soup recipes!
Orzo Vegetable Soup
Whether you're looking for a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or a comforting meal on a chilly day, Orzo Vegetable Soup is the perfect choice. The combination of fresh vegetables and flavorful broth makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced celery about 2 sticks
- 1 cup sliced carrots about 2 medium carrots
- 5 cups low sodium vegetable broth 1.25L
- 2 cups packed chopped curly kale
- ½ cup thinly sliced banana shallots about 2 shallots
- ¼ cup basil pesto
- ¾ cup orzo
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 6 oz green beans chopped into 1” pieces
- ½ Tsp kosher salt
- ¼ Tsp black pepper
- For the Cashew Cream
- ½ cup raw cashews
- ½ cup water add more for soaking the cashews
- Toppings optional
- Pesto
- Parmesan
- Crusty bread
Instructions
- Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté the shallot and garlic for about a minute, until they soften and turn lightly golden.
- At the same time, place the cashews in a stick blender jug, pour boiling water over them, and let them soak for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the celery and carrots, cooking for another 4-5 minutes until they become tender.
- Add the orzo, stirring it in, and let it toast in the oil for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the green beans and vegetable stock, then bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 12 minutes, until both the orzo and beans are tender.
- Once the cashews have soaked, drain the hot water and replace it with cold water in the jug. Blend until completely smooth, then set aside.
- Stir in the kale and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted. When everything is cooked, mix in the cashew cream and pesto. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve topped with parmesan, a little extra pesto, and some crusty bread.
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Orzo Vegetable Soup