Go Back

Orzo and Vegetable Soup with Lemon and Dill

This comforting Orzo and Vegetable Soup is a quick and nutritious remedy for busy days, packed with fresh vegetables and invigorating lemon and dill flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Broth
  • 1 cup orzo pasta Cook according to package instructions.
  • 6 cups vegetable broth Add more if needed.
  • 1 lemon lemon (zest and juice) Use juice from half a lemon before serving.
Vegetables
  • 1 medium onion, chopped Adds flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances taste.
  • 2 large carrots, diced For sweetness and color.
  • 2 stalks celery, diced Brings crunch.
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced Adds texture.
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced red bell pepper For color and flavor.
  • 1 cup fresh spinach Add at the end for nutrition.
Herbs and Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped Fresh dill for bright flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Season to liking.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of vegetable broth to a boil.
  2. Add the orzo pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
  3. In another pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  4. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and golden (about 3-4 minutes).
  5. Add diced carrots, celery, zucchini, and red bell pepper and stir for about 5-7 minutes to soften.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Pour in the remaining vegetable broth and bring back to a simmer.
  2. Add the cooked orzo and mix thoroughly.
  3. Stir in spinach, lemon zest, and dill, and season with salt and pepper.
Finishing Touches
  1. Just before serving, squeeze half a lemon's juice into the pot.
  2. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle extra dill on top if desired.

Notes

No orzo? Substitute with another small pasta type. Embrace seasonal veggies for variations. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.