Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Warm up your senses with a hearty bowl of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, a culinary masterpiece that brings together the rich flavors of tender chicken, wholesome orzo pasta, and the vibrant zest of lemon. This Greek-inspired dish is not just a soup; it’s a comforting embrace on a chilly evening or a refreshing indulgence on a bright afternoon. Dive into the details of this tantalizing recipe and learn how to create your own culinary masterpiece at home.
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Unveiling the Ingredients
Before we embark on the journey of crafting this delectable soup, let’s take a closer look at the star players in this culinary ensemble:
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| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 tbsp | Vegetable oil |
| 1 | Medium onion, chopped |
| 2 ribs | Celery, chopped |
| 3 | Carrots, peeled and chopped |
| 3 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 1/2 tsp | Dried marjoram |
| 1/2 tsp | Dried thyme leaves |
| 1/2 tsp | Crushed rosemary |
| 1/4 cup | All-purpose flour |
| 6 cups | Low-sodium chicken broth |
| 2 | Bay leaves |
| 3/4 cup | Orzo pasta |
| 3 cups | Cooked cubed chicken breasts or thighs |
| 1 | Lemon, juiced |
| 3 cups | Baby spinach |
| To taste | Kosher salt and black pepper |
Crafting the Culinary Symphony
Now that we have acquainted ourselves with the ingredients, let’s delve into the culinary process that brings them together harmoniously:
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Sautéing the Vegetables
- In a Dutch oven or heavy stockpot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until softened, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, then add minced garlic, marjoram, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Adding Flour and Broth
- Increase heat to medium-low. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add bay leaves. Bring the soup to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Orzo and Chicken
- Reduce heat to a simmer. Add orzo pasta and cooked chicken to the soup. Cook until the orzo is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
Infusing with Lemon and Spinach
- Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and baby spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted.
Seasoning and Serving
- Season the soup with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Remove bay leaves from the soup.
- Serve the Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup hot, garnished with additional lemon slices if desired.
Dive into a Bowl of Comfort
As you ladle this soul-warming soup into bowls, savor the aroma that fills the air – a tantalizing blend of herbs, citrus, and savory chicken. With each spoonful, feel the warmth spreading through your body, comforting you from the inside out. Whether enjoyed as a hearty meal on its own or paired with crusty bread or a crisp salad, Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is sure to delight your taste buds and lift your spirits.
