Vegetable Orzo Soup

Vegetable Orzo Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version)
• 1/2 cup orzo pasta
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent.

2. Add the Zucchini and Bell Pepper:

1. Stir in the diced zucchini and yellow bell pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth:

1. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the vegetable broth.
2. Add the dried basil and oregano. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a boil.

4. Cook the Orzo:

1. Once the soup is boiling, add the orzo pasta. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

5. Season the Soup:

1. Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

6. Serve:

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
2. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

7. Enjoy:

1. Serve hot, with crusty bread on the side if desired.

Tips:

• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, you can add cooked chicken, turkey, or beans (like cannellini or chickpeas) to the soup.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand, such as spinach, kale, or mushrooms.
• Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta or rice.

This Vegetable Orzo Soup is light, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a quick lunch or dinner. Enjoy!