Are you tired of boring, bland soups that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a culinary masterpiece that combines the bright, citrusy punch of lemon, the creamy comfort of white beans, and the delicate texture of orzo pasta. This Italian-inspired soup isn't just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to a sun-drenched Mediterranean kitchen, all while being incredibly easy to prepare in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot and bring to a gentle boil. Add drained and rinsed white beans and orzo pasta.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and has absorbed some of the broth.
- Zest the entire lemon and then squeeze its juice directly into the soup, stirring to incorporate the bright citrus flavors.
- Add chopped spinach and stir until it wilts completely, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot in bowls, optionally garnishing with additional lemon zest or fresh cracked pepper.
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: The key to an exceptional soup is using fresh garlic, a real lemon (not bottled juice), and high-quality vegetable broth.
- Don't overcook the orzo: Watch it carefully during the 10-12 minute simmer to ensure it remains al dente and doesn't turn mushy.
- For extra depth, consider toasting the orzo in a bit of olive oil before adding broth to enhance its nutty flavor.
- If you want a protein boost, add diced chicken or shredded rotisserie meat when adding the spinach.
- Make it creamy: For a richer texture, blend a portion of the white beans before adding them to the soup.
- Leftovers tip: The soup might thicken overnight, so have some extra broth on hand to thin it out when reheating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
