Craving a hearty, healthy, and incredibly flavorful soup that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further than this Orzo Bean Spinach Soup! This vibrant one-pot wonder is packed with nutritious ingredients, combining the delightful chewiness of orzo pasta with the heartiness of beans and the freshness of spinach. It's the perfect weeknight meal, satisfying enough for a complete dinner yet light enough to not weigh you down. The simple yet delicious combination of flavors will quickly become a family favorite.
This recipe is incredibly versatile; feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking, or add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini for extra nutritional benefits. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Carrots
- Onion: 1, thinly sliced
- Red and yellow bell pepper
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves, crushed
- Celery: 1 tablespoon
- Cherry tomatoes
- Chives: a little
- Salt: a little
- Thyme: a little
- Cooked red kidney beans
- Baby spinach leaves
- Tomato puree: 1/2 cup
- Orzo pasta: 3 tablespoons, cooked
- Water
- Black pepper: a little
- Basil: a little, roughly chopped
- Lime juice: a little
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sauté Vegetables and Beans
- Heat olive oil in a pot.
- Add carrots (since they take longer to cook).
- Add onions, bell peppers, garlic, celery, cherry tomatoes, chives, salt, and thyme.
- Stir and cook until slightly softened.
- Add cooked red kidney beans and stir.
- Add baby spinach leaves and stir.
Step 2. Combine Ingredients and Simmer
- Stir in tomato puree.
- Add cooked orzo pasta and water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
- Season with black pepper.
Step 3. Finish and Serve
- Stir in chopped basil and lime juice.
- Serve hot or cold.
Read more: Italian Zucchini Soup with Parmesan Croutons: A Delicious Recipe
Tips
- This soup is easy to make and requires no special appliances.
- It's a one-pot meal, loaded with colorful vegetables.
- It's a healthy and light option, perfect for a lighter meal.
- Serve with sourdough bread or crisps.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 400-500
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbs: 60-70g
- Protein: 15-20g
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! Kidney beans, chickpeas, or cannellini beans would all work well in this recipe. Just be sure to rinse and drain canned beans before adding them to the pot.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. What can I do if I don't have fresh spinach?
Frozen spinach works perfectly fine. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the soup.
This Orzo Bean Spinach Soup is a true testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients. Enjoy this comforting and nutritious meal any time of year, knowing you've created a delicious and healthy dinner with minimal effort. Happy cooking!