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Vegetable Orzo Soup
Ingredients:
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- 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:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- 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:
- Stir in the diced zucchini and yellow bell pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the vegetable broth.
- Add the dried basil and oregano. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a boil.
4. Cook the Orzo:
- 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:
- Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
6. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
7. Enjoy:
- 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!
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