5 from 15 votes
Lemon Orzo Soup
Lemon Orzo Soup features vegetable broth simmered with diced celery, carrots, onion, and garlic, combined with firm tofu and orzo pasta. The finishing touch of fresh lemon zest and juice adds bright acidity that lifts the savory and mild flavors. Parsley adds herbal freshness while the tofu contributes protein and texture. Cooking the orzo directly in the broth infuses it with flavor, creating a hearty yet light soup option.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings:
4
to 6
Calories:
394 kcal
Course:
Soup
Cuisine:
Greek
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 celery finely diced, ribs
- 4 medium carrot finely diced
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 4 garlic minced, cloves
- 5 to 6 cups vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pound tofu diced, super firm
- 1 cup orzo uncooked
- 1 to 2 lemon plural
- ¼ cup parsley chopped, plus more for garnish, fresh
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot with a lid, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the celery, carrots, onion, and garlic. Saute for 5 minutes or until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Add the broth and Italian seasoning. Mix well and bring to a boil, add the tofu, lower the heat to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Uncover, gently mix, and add the orzo. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Turn off the heat. Zest one lemon directly into the pot and add the juice of that lemon. Add the parsley, stir, and taste. Adjust salt, pepper, and lemon levels.
- Serve and optionally garnish with lemon slides or wedges.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Pre-prepping mirepoix and minced garlic can save time but may affect flavor freshness.
- Adjust lemon amount to taste depending on desired brightness.
- Letting the soup rest enhances flavor melding.
- To avoid mushy orzo, cook it separately and add when serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories
394kcal
(20%)
Carbohydrates
60g
(20%)
Protein
17g
(34%)
Fat
10g
(15%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
(12%)
Monounsaturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Sodium
1308mg
(55%)
Potassium
602mg
(13%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
10g
(20%)
Vitamin A
11157IU
(223%)
Vitamin C
25mg
(28%)
Calcium
94mg
(9%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 to 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories 394
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 394kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 60g | 20% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Sodium | 1308mg | 55% |
| Potassium | 602mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 11157IU | 223% |
| Vitamin C | 25mg | 28% |
| Calcium | 94mg | 9% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.