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Homemade Lemon Chickpea Orzo Soup photo
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Lemon Chickpea Orzo Soup

This Lemon Chickpea Orzo Soup is delightfully comforting! Packed with fresh veggies, hearty chickpeas, and a zing of lemon, it’s perfect for any day!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Comfort Food, Healthy, Vegan
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter for sautéing the vegetables
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion chopped
  • 3 sticks celery finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and finely chopped
  • 3-5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cans chickpeas 15.5-ounce, drained and rinsed
  • 6 cups imitation 'chicken' broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup dry orzo
  • 4 ounces baby spinach
  • 1/2-1 lemon juice for bright flavor
  • to taste salt and black pepper for seasoning
  • 1/2 cup parsley finely chopped, for garnish
  • 1/2 lemon zest adds extra lemon flavor
  • pinch salt to enhance flavors

Instructions

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil or vegan butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring frequently for another minute until fragrant.
  • Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine. This will help create a thicker soup. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  • Stir in the drained chickpeas and pour in the imitation 'chicken' broth (or vegetable broth). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  • Once boiling, add the dry orzo to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and cooked through.
  • Add the baby spinach to the pot, stirring until it wilts down. This will only take a minute or two.
  • Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, and add more lemon if you prefer a stronger citrus flavor.
  • Ladle the Lemon Chickpea Orzo Soup into bowls and garnish with finely chopped parsley. Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Notes

  • For gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or quinoa.
  • Use low-sodium broth for a lower sodium option.
  • Add diced tofu or tempeh for an extra protein boost.
  • Feel free to toss in extra veggies like zucchini or kale.