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Creamy White Bean Lemon Orzo Soup Recipe

Creamy White Bean Lemon Orzo Soup Recipe

5 from 21 reviews

Creamy White Bean Lemon Orzo Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender orzo pasta, creamy white beans, fresh kale, and zesty lemon in a rich, savory broth finished with Parmesan cheese. This soup is perfect for a cozy meal that warms you up with bright citrus notes and smooth creaminess.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauté Base

  • 1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbsps unsalted butter
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Main Ingredients

  • 1 (15 oz.) can organic white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups dried orzo
  • 6 cups vegetable stock, organic
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, organic
  • 1/2 cup chopped kale
  • 1 lemon, freshly-squeezed
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: In a medium-sized dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and butter until the butter melts. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add beans and seasonings: Stir in the drained white beans, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly mixed with the onion and garlic base.
  3. Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the vegetable stock and heavy cream, then add freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, orzo pasta, and chopped kale. Stir all ingredients together to combine thoroughly.
  4. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has swollen to release starch, thickening the soup.
  5. Add cheese for creaminess: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly to create a creamy texture throughout the soup.
  6. Serve: Remove the soup from heat and ladle immediately into bowls. Serve hot, optionally pairing with garlic bread or naan bread.
  7. Enjoy: Savor the delicious, comforting flavors of your creamy white bean lemon orzo soup!

Notes

  • The soup thickens naturally as the orzo cooks, so do not add too much orzo to avoid an overly thick consistency.
  • Using organic ingredients enhances the depth of flavors and ensures a fresher taste.
  • The kale adds a nutritious boost and vibrant color; feel free to substitute with spinach or Swiss chard if preferred.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of vegetable stock or water to loosen the consistency.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative, but note that the texture will be less rich.

Nutrition

Keywords: white bean soup, lemon orzo soup, creamy soup, vegetarian soup, kale soup, comfort food