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–+ servings

Cozy Greek Lemon Orzo Chickpea Soup

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 generous bowls
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 325

Ingredients
  

Aromatics & Broth Base
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • 1 medium shallot or small yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 stalks celery finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or low-sodium chicken bone broth
Pasta, Chickpeas & Greens
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta uncooked
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (garbanzo beans) rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach loosely packed
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice from about 2 large juicy lemons
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest finely grated
  • 3 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Garnish & Serving (Optional)
  • 1/3 cup crumbled Greek feta cheese for creamy contrast
  • 4 slices crusty sourdough or pita bread for dipping
  • 4 slices fresh lemon wheels for beautiful bowl presentation

Method
 

Soup Preparation & Simmering
  1. In a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and chopped celery; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and aromatic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant without browning.
  2. Pour in the 6 cups of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a lively boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the dry orzo pasta. Reduce heat to medium, maintaining a gentle rolling simmer, and cook uncovered for 8 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
  3. Add the rinsed chickpeas and fresh baby spinach to the pot. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach is fully wilted and tender, and the orzo is perfectly al dente.
  4. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and chopped dill. Season with fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Let the soup rest for 3 minutes off the heat so the lemon settles harmoniously into the velvety broth.
  5. Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls. Top each serving with crumbled Greek feta, an extra drizzle of fruity olive oil, cracked black pepper, a lemon wheel, and a sprig of fresh dill. Serve immediately with warm crusty sourdough or pita.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 13gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 490mgPotassium: 460mgFiber: 7gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 9250IUVitamin C: 23.1mgCalcium: 1200mgIron: 0.7mg

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