Hearty Spinach Orzo Soup: 40 Mins Total

Hey there, foodie friends! Jordan Bell here, coming to you from Asheville, North Carolina. If you’ve been following my journey on Easy Detox Recipes, you know I’m all about taking those comforting, soulful Southern classics and making them shine in a healthy way. After shedding 80 pounds myself, I learned that clean eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or that cozy feeling we all crave. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Hearty Spinach Orzo Soup Recipe with you today. It’s the perfect example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly satisfying and good for you. This soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, proving that healthy food can absolutely be delicious and comforting!

You’re going to adore this Hearty Spinach Orzo Soup Recipe for so many reasons! It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights easier and taste so much better. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Super Quick to Make: Seriously, you can have a steaming bowl of this goodness on the table in about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those busy evenings!
• Packed with Goodness: We’re talking fresh veggies, wholesome orzo, and nutrient-rich spinach swimming in a flavorful broth. It’s satisfying without weighing you down.
• So Comforting: It’s like a warm, cozy hug in soup form. The tender orzo and wilted spinach are just pure comfort.
• Super Versatile: This is a great base recipe. Feel free to toss in other veggies you have on hand!
• Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters usually love orzo pasta, making this a win for the whole family.

Alright, let’s get down to business! To whip up this amazing Hearty Spinach Orzo Soup Recipe, you’ll need just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. We’ve got a total of eight items to gather, and I’ll walk you through exactly what you need and how to prep them so your soup turns out perfectly every single time.

Here’s what you’ll need to have ready:

• 1 cup finely chopped carrots: Make sure they’re chopped pretty small so they cook up tender quickly.
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions: We’ll use both the white and green parts for a nice, mild onion flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic adds so much punch!
• 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth: Using low-sodium lets you control the saltiness better. Plus, good quality broth makes a big difference!
• 1 cup orzo pasta: This little pasta shape is perfect for soups, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
• 8 ounces baby spinach, roughly chopped: Fresh baby spinach wilts down beautifully and adds loads of nutrients. No need to chop it super fine, just a rough chop is perfect.
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste: Start with this amount, but always taste and adjust!
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste: Freshly ground pepper has a much brighter flavor than pre-ground.

Trust me, using fresh, good-quality ingredients really makes this soup sing!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hearty Spinach Orzo Soup Recipe

Alright, let’s get this delicious soup simmering! Making this Hearty Spinach Orzo Soup Recipe is really straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Just follow these easy steps and you’ll have a comforting bowl of goodness in no time.

Preparing the Base Flavors

First things first, grab a nice medium-sized pot. We want to build that flavor foundation right from the start! Add a little olive oil and heat it up over medium heat. Toss in your chopped carrots and sliced green onions. Let them sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re looking for the carrots to get a little tender, not mushy! Then, add in your minced garlic and cook for just another minute or two until you can smell that wonderful garlicky aroma. Don’t let the garlic burn, though!

Building the Broth and Simmering

Now, it’s time to pour in that lovely vegetable broth. Turn the heat up a bit to bring the whole pot to a nice boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat right down to a gentle simmer. We want to let this cook for about 10 minutes. This simmering time is super important; it really lets all those veggie flavors meld together beautifully before we add anything else.

Cooking the Orzo and Finishing Touches

Once the broth has simmered, it’s time for the star of the show – the orzo! Add the cup of orzo pasta to the pot. Give it a good stir to make sure none of it sticks to the bottom. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring every so often. While that’s cooking, go ahead and season your soup with the sea salt and black pepper. Taste it and adjust if you think it needs a little more. Now, for the grand finale: add in your chopped baby spinach. It looks like a lot, but it wilts down super fast! Just cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach is tender and vibrant green. Give everything one last good stir to make sure it’s all mixed and seasoned evenly. Ladle it up into bowls, and you’re ready to enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Hearty Spinach Orzo Soup Recipe

You know, a good soup recipe is all about those little tricks that make it go from good to absolutely amazing. For this Hearty Spinach Orzo Soup Recipe, a few simple tips will really make it shine. It’s not complicated at all, just a little bit of love and attention!

Ingredient Quality Matters

Seriously, don’t skimp here! Using fresh carrots and good quality vegetable broth makes a world of difference in the final flavor. Fresh garlic is a must, and that baby spinach just wilts into perfection. It’s these simple things that really elevate the taste of this soup.

Balancing Flavors

This is key for any soup! Always taste and adjust. Start with the 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, but give it a good stir and taste before you serve. Does it need a little more salt? A pinch more pepper? Go for it! You’re the boss of your soup’s flavor.

Achieving the Right Consistency

This soup is naturally perfect with the orzo, but if you like it a little thicker, don’t sweat it. After the orzo is cooked, you can simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to let some of the liquid evaporate. Or, if you want it thinner, just add a splash more broth or water until it’s just right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hearty Spinach Orzo Soup Recipe

Got questions about this wonderful Hearty Spinach Orzo Soup Recipe? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the things folks ask me most often. It’s a super flexible soup, so let’s dive in!

Can I make this Hearty Spinach Orzo Soup recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup is actually fantastic made ahead. I actually think the flavors meld even more overnight. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat it, you might need to add a splash more broth or water because the orzo will continue to absorb liquid.

What are good substitutions for orzo in this soup?

Great question! If you don’t have orzo or want to switch things up, no problem. You can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even small shells. Just remember to cook them according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, and add them at the same step you would the orzo. You could also try using quinoa or even small diced potatoes for a different texture!

Is this Hearty Spinach Orzo Soup recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, it is! This Hearty Spinach Orzo Soup recipe freezes beautifully. Let the soup cool completely, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It should keep well in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit more liquid if needed.

Storing and Reheating Your Hearty Spinach Orzo Soup

Leftovers happen, and that’s a good thing with this delicious soup! Storing and reheating your Hearty Spinach Orzo Soup properly means you can enjoy that comforting flavor just as much the next day. It’s super simple, and I’ve got the best way to do it right here for you.

Storage Guidelines

Method	Duration
Refrigerator	Airtight container, up to 3-4 days
Freezer	Airtight container or freezer bag, up to 2-3 months

Just make sure everything cools down before you pop it in the fridge or freezer. This helps keep the quality top-notch!

Reheating Instructions

Method	Instructions
Stovetop	Gently heat the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally. You might need to add a splash of broth or water as the orzo can absorb liquid over time. Heat until warmed through.
Microwave	Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Adjust time as needed until heated through. Again, a little extra liquid might be helpful here.

Either way you reheat it, it’ll be just as delicious!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a friendly heads-up, the nutritional information for this Hearty Spinach Orzo Soup Recipe is an estimate. It can totally change depending on the exact brands you use and the specific ingredients you have on hand. Think of it as a good ballpark figure!

Nutritional Disclaimer

Nutrient	Approximate Value	Notes
Serving Size	1 bowl	As prepared according to the recipe
Calories	Around 200	Can vary based on broth sodium and oil used
Fat	About 5g	Primarily from olive oil; low in saturated fat
Carbohydrates	Approximately 35g	Mainly from orzo and vegetables
Protein	Around 7g	From vegetables and orzo
Sodium	Varies based on broth	Using low-sodium broth is recommended

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