Mediterranean Vegetable Orzo Soup

Looking for a comforting and nutritious soup with a Mediterranean twist? This Vegetable Orzo Soup is rich in flavor, packed with fresh veggies, and enhanced with herbs and spices. Perfect for cozy nights and easy enough for weeknight dinners, this one-pot recipe will warm your soul and boost your health.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
▢1 onion, diced
▢4 cloves garlic, minced
▢1 carrot, diced
▢1 yellow bell pepper, diced
▢2 tablespoons tomato paste
▢½ teaspoon cumin
▢1 teaspoon oregano
▢½ teaspoon turmeric
▢½ teaspoon paprika
▢1 teaspoon kosher salt
▢5 cups broth, vegetable or chicken
▢⅔ cups orzo
▢3 cups spinach, chopped
▢1 lemon , juice of

Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until golden. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Incorporate the diced carrot and yellow bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the tomato paste along with cumin, oregano, turmeric, paprika and salt. Stir for a minute to allow the spices to bloom, enhancing their flavors.
Add the broth (vegetable or chicken). Bring the soup to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender. This would take about 20 minutes.
Stir in the orzo, simmering for 10 minutes or until it’s tender but not mushy. The orzo will absorb some of the broth, thickening the soup.
Add the spinach, and stir so it wilts gently. Squeeze in lemon juice to taste, and serve warm