Description
Delicious Orzo, Leek and Dill Soup recipe to warm you up. Discover a flavorful and cozy meal idea for chilly days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large leeks (white and light green parts only), thoroughly cleaned and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced (about ½ cup)
- 1 celery stalk, diced (about ½ cup)
- 6 cups (1.4L) vegetable or chicken broth, low sodium preferred
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add sliced leeks along with a pinch of salt and cook for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Step 2: Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot with the leeks. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the vegetables have softened slightly, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Step 3: Pour in the broth, then add the bay leaf, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer. Let this base develop flavor for about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the orzo to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Step 5: When the orzo is almost tender, stir in half of the chopped dill and the lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – the brightness of the lemon should complement the herbs without overwhelming them.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes before serving. Discard the bay leaf. Ladle the hot Orzo, Leek, and Dill Soup into bowls, garnish with the remaining fresh dill, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for anyone who desires additional brightness.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg