White Bean Soup With Lemon And Orzo

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

2 carrots, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 stalk celery, diced

1 tsp dried oregano

7 cups vegetable broth

1 can white beans, drained and rinsed

2 lemons, juiced

1 tsp lemon zest

¼ cup fresh dill, chopped

1 cup orzo

1 handful kale, chopped or torn

¼ cup cashew butter, or tahini

1 tsp turmeric

Instructions

In a pot over medium heat, add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and oregano. Sauté until softened, approximately 5 minutes.

Add the vegetable broth, drained and rinsed can of beans, lemon juice and lemon zest to the pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes covered.

Stir in fresh dill and orzo and cook for another 10 minutes until the orzo is cooked through, keeping the lid off and stirring intermittently to prevent the orzo from sticking.

Stir in the cashew butter or tahini and turmeric, along with the kale until heated through. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 422.2kcal, Carbohydrates: 66.2g, Protein: 15.6g, Fat: 12.7g, Saturated Fat: 2.3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7.3g, Sodium: 1691.5mg, Potassium: 829.4mg, Fiber: 9.2g, Sugar: 8.9g, Vitamin A: 7088.5IU, Vitamin C: 44.6mg, Calcium: 146.6mg, Iron: 4.7mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of bean in White Bean Soup with Lemon and Orzo?

Yes, you can experiment with various beans based on your preference.

Cannellini beans, navy beans, or Great Northern beans are good alternatives.

Is it necessary to use fresh dill, or can I substitute with dried dill?

Fresh dill provides a vibrant flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can use dried dill.

Adjust the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Can I replace orzo with another type of pasta?

Certainly! Orzo adds a nice texture, but you can substitute it with any small pasta like macaroni, small shells, or even rice if you prefer.

What’s the purpose of turmeric in this soup?

Turmeric adds color and a subtle earthy flavor.

It also provides potential health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it later?

Absolutely! Soups often taste even better the next day.

Store it in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What’s the role of cashew butter or tahini in the recipe?

Cashew butter or tahini adds creaminess and a nutty flavor to the soup.

It also contributes to the overall richness of the dish.

How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of vegetable broth or add more orzo.

Conversely, if you want a thinner consistency, add extra broth.

Can I omit the kale or use a different leafy green?

Yes, you can omit kale or replace it with spinach, Swiss chard, or any leafy green you enjoy.

Adjust the quantity based on your preference.

Are there any alternative seasonings for dried oregano?

While dried oregano complements the dish, you can use dried basil, thyme, or Italian seasoning as alternatives for a different flavor profile.

Can I use store-bought vegetable broth, or should I make it from scratch?

You can use store-bought vegetable broth for convenience, but if you have homemade broth, it will enhance the soup’s flavor.

Adjust seasoning accordingly.